Overall score
Albion
50.0/100
Cairnlea
60.8/100
Albion for investment and schools; Cairnlea for retirees and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Albion
50.0/100
Cairnlea
60.8/100
Crime rate
Albion
113.7 / 1k
Cairnlea
47.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Albion
82
Cairnlea
133
Population
Albion
4,334
Cairnlea
10,038
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Albion | Cairnlea |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 50.0/100 | 60.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 34.8/100 | 56.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 113.7 / 1k | 47.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 13 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | 12 |
| Public transport stops | 25 | 27 |
| Walkability | 38.0/100 | 92.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 82 | 133 |
| Planning activity | 25 | 1 |
| Population | 4,334 | 10,038 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 4/10 |
Albion reads as an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap; Cairnlea is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Albion pulls ahead on schools and education options, whereas Cairnlea is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Albion generally means more approachable housing costs, while Cairnlea leans toward more mid-market housing value.
Albion suits investors and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Cairnlea is the stronger match for retirees and value-focused buyers.