Overall score
Ascot Vale
67.5/100
Essendon West
47.8/100
Ascot Vale vs Essendon West, VIC suburb comparison
Ascot Vale for investment and value; Essendon West for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Ascot ValeEssendon West
Crime rate
Ascot Vale
121.4 / 1k
Essendon West
40.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ascot Vale
557
Essendon West
82
Population
Ascot Vale
15,197
Essendon West
1,559
Metric leadAscot Vale 7Essendon West 4across 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 West
- Best for familiesEssendon West
- 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 West |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 67.5/100 | 47.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 19.4/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 121.4 / 1k | 40.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 11 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 12 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 74 | 8 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 14.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 557 | 82 |
| Planning activity | 219 | 25 |
| Population | 15,197 | 1,559 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Ascot Vale is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Essendon West is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by.
On the data, Ascot Vale is stronger for schools and education options and parks and reserves; Essendon West answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Investors and value-focused buyers may find Ascot Vale the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Essendon West.