Overall score
Altona North
67.1/100
Spotswood
58.5/100
Altona North for investment and value; Spotswood for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Altona North
67.1/100
Spotswood
58.5/100
Crime rate
Altona North
101.6 / 1k
Spotswood
165.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Altona North
241
Spotswood
149
Population
Altona North
12,962
Spotswood
2,820
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 | Altona North | Spotswood |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 67.1/100 | 58.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 44.8/100 | 37.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 101.6 / 1k | 165.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 18 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 107 | 26 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 73.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 241 | 149 |
| Planning activity | 291 | 62 |
| Population | 12,962 | 2,820 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 10/10 |
Altona North reads as a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by; Spotswood is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Altona North sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Spotswood is closer to the city centre.
Altona North pulls ahead on housing affordability and parks and reserves, whereas Spotswood is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
Altona North suits investors and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Spotswood is the stronger match for retirees and families.