Overall score
Bairnsdale
46.1/100
Hillside
35.8/100
Bairnsdale vs Hillside, VIC suburb comparison
Bairnsdale for investment and value; Hillside for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BairnsdaleHillside
Crime rate
Bairnsdale
291.1 / 1k
Hillside
—
Nearby amenities
Bairnsdale
0
Hillside
0
Population
Bairnsdale
7,905
Hillside
290
Metric leadBairnsdale 4Hillside 21 tiedacross 7 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesHillside
- Best for familiesHillside
- Best for investmentBairnsdale
- Best for best valueBairnsdale
- Best for best schoolsBairnsdale
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 | Bairnsdale | Hillside |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 46.1/100 | 35.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 71.1/100 | 48.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 291.1 / 1k | — |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | — |
| Public transport stops | 33 | — |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 94 | 6 |
| Population | 7,905 | 290 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Bairnsdale is a quieter mid-sized suburb with space and a country-town pace, and Hillside is a leafier hillside smaller community with elevated outlooks. Hillside sits among greener hillside streets, while Bairnsdale keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Bairnsdale pulls ahead on housing affordability and walkability, whereas Hillside is the better pick for a calmer planning outlook and stronger socioeconomic advantage. Bairnsdale generally means more approachable housing costs, while Hillside leans toward more mid-market housing value.
Investors and value-focused buyers may find Bairnsdale the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Hillside.