Overall score
Athelstone
61.6/100
Hectorville
43.9/100
Athelstone vs Hectorville, SA suburb comparison
Athelstone for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
AthelstoneHectorville
Crime rate
Athelstone
16.7 / 1k
Hectorville
40.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Athelstone
109
Hectorville
120
Population
Athelstone
9,601
Hectorville
4,241
Metric leadAthelstone 8Hectorville 2across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesAthelstone
- Best for familiesAthelstone
- Best for investmentAthelstone
- Best for best valueAthelstone
- Best for best schoolsAthelstone
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 | Athelstone | Hectorville |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 61.6/100 | 43.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 59.6/100 | 28.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 16.7 / 1k | 40.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | — |
| Public transport stops | 44 | 14 |
| Walkability | 55.0/100 | 38.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 109 | 120 |
| Planning activity | 97 | 36 |
| Population | 9,601 | 4,241 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Athelstone is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Hectorville is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby. Athelstone sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Hectorville is closer to the city centre.
On the data, Athelstone is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Hectorville answers with nearby cafés and amenities and a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Athelstone, while Hectorville remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.