Overall score
Bacchus Marsh
63.1/100
Darley
45.8/100
Bacchus Marsh for investment and schools; Darley for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Bacchus Marsh
63.1/100
Darley
45.8/100
Crime rate
Bacchus Marsh
153.7 / 1k
Darley
61.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bacchus Marsh
267
Darley
19
Population
Bacchus Marsh
7,808
Darley
9,190
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 | Bacchus Marsh | Darley |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 63.1/100 | 45.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 59.3/100 | 82.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 153.7 / 1k | 61.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 32 | 27 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 267 | 19 |
| Planning activity | 73 | 38 |
| Population | 7,808 | 9,190 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 5/10 |
Bacchus Marsh is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Darley is a well-connected metro established suburb with a familiar suburban feel. Bacchus Marsh sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Darley is further out with more breathing room.
Bacchus Marsh pulls ahead on schools and education options and parks and reserves, whereas Darley is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Families and investors may find Bacchus Marsh the better fit, while retirees are more likely to prefer Darley.