Overall score
Airport West
66.7/100
Essendon North
45.7/100
Airport West vs Essendon North, VIC suburb comparison
Airport West for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Airport WestEssendon North
Crime rate
Airport West
126.8 / 1k
Essendon North
100.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Airport West
231
Essendon North
86
Population
Airport West
8,173
Essendon North
3,071
Metric leadAirport West 7Essendon North 4across 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for familiesAirport West
- Best for investmentAirport West
- Best for best valueAirport West
- Best for best schoolsAirport West
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Airport West | Essendon North |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.7/100 | 45.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 29.9/100 | 16.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 126.8 / 1k | 100.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 57 | 13 |
| Walkability | 90.0/100 | 40.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 231 | 86 |
| Planning activity | 135 | 27 |
| Population | 8,173 | 3,071 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Airport West reads as a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby; Essendon North is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby. Airport West sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Essendon North is closer to the city centre.
Airport West pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Essendon North is the better pick for schools and education options and a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, families and investors are more likely to prefer Airport West, while Essendon North remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.