Overall score
Alphington
57.5/100
Northcote
73.7/100
Alphington vs Northcote, VIC suburb comparison
Alphington for investment; Northcote for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
AlphingtonNorthcote
Crime rate
Alphington
63.7 / 1k
Northcote
66.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Alphington
205
Northcote
931
Population
Alphington
5,702
Northcote
25,276
Metric leadAlphington 2Northcote 81 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 familiesNorthcote
- Best for investmentAlphington
- Best for best valueNorthcote
- Best for best schoolsNorthcote
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 | Alphington | Northcote |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 57.5/100 | 73.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 19.1/100 | 19.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 63.7 / 1k | 66.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 17 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 20 |
| Public transport stops | 37 | 160 |
| Walkability | 44.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 205 | 931 |
| Planning activity | 102 | 377 |
| Population | 5,702 | 25,276 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Alphington is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Northcote is an energetic metro larger suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Alphington pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook, whereas Northcote is the better pick for housing affordability and schools and education options.
Choose Alphington if you are weighing investors; lean toward Northcote for families and value-focused buyers.