Overall score
Bacchus Marsh
63.1/100
Merrimu
40.1/100
Bacchus Marsh for investment and value; Merrimu for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Bacchus Marsh
63.1/100
Merrimu
40.1/100
Crime rate
Bacchus Marsh
153.7 / 1k
Merrimu
45.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bacchus Marsh
267
Merrimu
0
Population
Bacchus Marsh
7,808
Merrimu
397
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 | Merrimu |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 63.1/100 | 40.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 59.3/100 | 54.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 153.7 / 1k | 45.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | — |
| Public transport stops | 32 | — |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 267 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 73 | 11 |
| Population | 7,808 | 397 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 7/10 |
Bacchus Marsh reads as a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby; Merrimu is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds. Bacchus Marsh sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Merrimu is more regionally self-contained.
On the data, Bacchus Marsh is stronger for housing affordability and walkability; Merrimu answers with a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
Choose Bacchus Marsh if you are weighing investors and value-focused buyers; lean toward Merrimu for retirees and families.