Overall score
Ashwood
57.3/100
Oakleigh
62.7/100
Ashwood for retirees and families; Oakleigh for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Ashwood
57.3/100
Oakleigh
62.7/100
Crime rate
Ashwood
85.9 / 1k
Oakleigh
206.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ashwood
130
Oakleigh
697
Population
Ashwood
7,154
Oakleigh
8,442
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 | Ashwood | Oakleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 57.3/100 | 62.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 22.4/100 | 16.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 85.9 / 1k | 206.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 30 | 93 |
| Walkability | 82.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 130 | 697 |
| Planning activity | 76 | 129 |
| Population | 7,154 | 8,442 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Put side by side, Ashwood is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Oakleigh is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Ashwood pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Oakleigh is the better pick for schools and education options and parks and reserves.
Retirees and families may find Ashwood the better fit, while investors are more likely to prefer Oakleigh.