Overall score
Armadale
58.4/100
Malvern
55.6/100
Armadale for families and investment; Malvern for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Armadale
58.4/100
Malvern
55.6/100
Crime rate
Armadale
82.9 / 1k
Malvern
72.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Armadale
196
Malvern
244
Population
Armadale
9,368
Malvern
9,929
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 | Armadale | Malvern |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 58.4/100 | 55.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 3.9/100 | 4.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 82.9 / 1k | 72.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 10 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 81 | 69 |
| Walkability | 81.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 196 | 244 |
| Planning activity | 243 | 301 |
| Population | 9,368 | 9,929 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Armadale reads as an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap; Malvern is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Armadale tends to lead on public transport access and overall desirability, while Malvern stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Armadale suits families and investors more clearly, whereas Malvern is the stronger match for retirees.