Overall score
Ashwood
57.3/100
Mount Waverley
73.1/100
Ashwood vs Mount Waverley, VIC suburb comparison
Mount Waverley for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
AshwoodMount Waverley
Crime rate
Ashwood
85.9 / 1k
Mount Waverley
49.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ashwood
130
Mount Waverley
385
Population
Ashwood
7,154
Mount Waverley
35,340
Metric leadAshwood 1Mount Waverley 10across 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 retireesMount Waverley
- Best for familiesMount Waverley
- Best for investmentMount Waverley
- Best for best valueMount Waverley
- Best for best schoolsMount Waverley
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 | Ashwood | Mount Waverley |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 57.3/100 | 73.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 22.4/100 | 26.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 85.9 / 1k | 49.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 32 |
| Public transport stops | 30 | 138 |
| Walkability | 82.0/100 | 94.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 130 | 385 |
| Planning activity | 76 | 469 |
| Population | 7,154 | 35,340 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Ashwood is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Mount Waverley is a hills larger suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood. Mount Waverley sits among greener hillside streets, while Ashwood keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Ashwood tends to lead on a calmer planning outlook, while Mount Waverley stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Mount Waverley, while Ashwood remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.