Overall score
Airport West
66.7/100
Essendon West
47.8/100
Airport West vs Essendon West, VIC suburb comparison
Airport West for investment and value; Essendon West for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Airport WestEssendon West
Crime rate
Airport West
126.8 / 1k
Essendon West
40.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Airport West
231
Essendon West
82
Population
Airport West
8,173
Essendon West
1,559
Metric leadAirport West 6Essendon West 41 tiedacross 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 West
- Best for familiesEssendon West
- Best for investmentAirport West
- Best for best valueAirport West
- Best for best schoolsEssendon 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 West |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.7/100 | 47.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 29.9/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 126.8 / 1k | 40.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 57 | 8 |
| Walkability | 90.0/100 | 14.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 231 | 82 |
| Planning activity | 135 | 25 |
| Population | 8,173 | 1,559 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Airport West is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Essendon West is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by. Airport West sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Essendon West is closer to the city centre.
Airport West pulls ahead on housing affordability and public transport access, whereas Essendon West is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
Airport West suits investors and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Essendon West is the stronger match for retirees and families.