Ballan vs Blackwood, VIC suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Ballan | Blackwood |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 57.4/100 | 20.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 74.8/100 | 2.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 79.3 / 1k | 43.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | — |
| Public transport stops | 13 | — |
| Walkability | 79.5/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 45 | 2 |
| Planning activity | 79 | 23 |
| Population | 3,392 | 387 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 5/10 |
Quick verdicts
Comparison summary
Ballan is a hillside mid-sized suburb with greener streets and a quieter pace, while Blackwood is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds. Ballan sits among greener hillside streets, while Blackwood keeps a flatter suburban layout.
On the data, Ballan is stronger for housing affordability and walkability; Blackwood answers with a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Ballan, while Blackwood remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.