Overall score
Bacchus Marsh
63.1/100
Ballarat Central
69.1/100
Bacchus Marsh vs Ballarat Central, VIC suburb comparison
Ballarat Central for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Bacchus MarshBallarat Central
Crime rate
Bacchus Marsh
153.7 / 1k
Ballarat Central
580.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bacchus Marsh
267
Ballarat Central
761
Population
Bacchus Marsh
7,808
Ballarat Central
5,378
Metric leadBacchus Marsh 4Ballarat Central 51 tiedacross 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 retireesBallarat Central
- Best for familiesBallarat Central
- Best for best schoolsBallarat Central
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 | Bacchus Marsh | Ballarat Central |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 63.1/100 | 69.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 59.3/100 | 54.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 153.7 / 1k | 580.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | — |
| Public transport stops | 32 | 63 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 267 | 761 |
| Planning activity | 73 | 234 |
| Population | 7,808 | 5,378 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Bacchus Marsh is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Ballarat Central is a regional mid-sized suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace. Bacchus Marsh sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Ballarat Central is more regionally self-contained.
On the data, Bacchus Marsh is stronger for housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook; Ballarat Central answers with a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Ballarat Central, while Bacchus Marsh remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.