Overall score
Balaclava
48.6/100
Middle Park
61.3/100
Balaclava vs Middle Park, VIC suburb comparison
Middle Park for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalaclavaMiddle Park
Crime rate
Balaclava
141.8 / 1k
Middle Park
78.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balaclava
76
Middle Park
110
Population
Balaclava
5,392
Middle Park
4,000
Metric leadBalaclava 4Middle Park 52 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMiddle Park
- Best for familiesMiddle Park
- Best for beach lifestyleMiddle Park
- Best for investmentMiddle Park
- Best for best valueMiddle Park
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 | Balaclava | Middle Park |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 48.6/100 | 61.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 21.6/100 | 21.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 141.8 / 1k | 78.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 18 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 20 | 23 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 94.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 76 | 110 |
| Planning activity | 83 | 122 |
| Population | 5,392 | 4,000 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Balaclava is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Middle Park is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Middle Park leans into coastal living, while Balaclava feels more inland and suburban in character.
Balaclava tends to lead on schools and education options and walkability, while Middle Park stands out for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Middle Park, while Balaclava remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.