Overall score
Ashburton
71.4/100
Hawthorn East
61.1/100
Ashburton vs Hawthorn East, VIC suburb comparison
Ashburton for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
AshburtonHawthorn East
Crime rate
Ashburton
68.4 / 1k
Hawthorn East
64.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ashburton
358
Hawthorn East
230
Population
Ashburton
7,952
Hawthorn East
14,834
Metric leadAshburton 6Hawthorn East 41 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Ashburton | Hawthorn East |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.4/100 | 61.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 19.5/100 | 3.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 68.4 / 1k | 64.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 15 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 38 | 28 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 85.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 358 | 230 |
| Planning activity | 103 | 209 |
| Population | 7,952 | 14,834 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Ashburton reads as a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by; Hawthorn East is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Ashburton sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Hawthorn East is closer to the city centre.
Ashburton tends to lead on housing affordability and public transport access, while Hawthorn East stands out for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
On balance, retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Ashburton, while Hawthorn East remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.