Overall score
Airport West
66.7/100
Essendon
64.7/100
Airport West vs Essendon, VIC suburb comparison
Airport West for investment and value; Essendon for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Airport WestEssendon
Crime rate
Airport West
126.8 / 1k
Essendon
62.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Airport West
231
Essendon
677
Population
Airport West
8,173
Essendon
21,240
Metric leadAirport West 3Essendon 8across 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 retireesEssendon
- Best for familiesEssendon
- Best for investmentAirport West
- Best for best valueAirport West
- Best for best schoolsEssendon
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.7/100 | 64.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 29.9/100 | 10.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 126.8 / 1k | 62.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 13 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 12 |
| Public transport stops | 57 | 164 |
| Walkability | 90.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 231 | 677 |
| Planning activity | 135 | 223 |
| Population | 8,173 | 21,240 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Airport West reads as a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby; Essendon is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Airport West sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Essendon is closer to the city centre.
Airport West tends to lead on housing affordability and overall desirability, while Essendon stands out for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
Choose Airport West if you are weighing investors and value-focused buyers; lean toward Essendon for retirees and families.