Overall score
Ascot Vale
67.5/100
Essendon
64.7/100
Ascot Vale vs Essendon, VIC suburb comparison
Ascot Vale for investment and value; Essendon for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Ascot ValeEssendon
Crime rate
Ascot Vale
121.4 / 1k
Essendon
62.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ascot Vale
557
Essendon
677
Population
Ascot Vale
15,197
Essendon
21,240
Metric leadAscot Vale 3Essendon 62 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
- Best for familiesEssendon
- Best for investmentAscot Vale
- Best for best valueAscot Vale
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 | Ascot Vale | Essendon |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 67.5/100 | 64.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 19.4/100 | 10.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 121.4 / 1k | 62.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 11 | 13 |
| Parks & reserves | 12 | 12 |
| Public transport stops | 74 | 164 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 557 | 677 |
| Planning activity | 219 | 223 |
| Population | 15,197 | 21,240 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Ascot Vale is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, and Essendon is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
On the data, Ascot Vale is stronger for housing affordability and overall desirability; Essendon answers with a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
Ascot Vale suits investors and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Essendon is the stronger match for retirees and families.