Overall score
Ballarat Central
69.1/100
Ballarat North
55.5/100
Ballarat Central vs Ballarat North, VIC suburb comparison
Ballarat Central for retirees and families; Ballarat North for value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Ballarat CentralBallarat North
Crime rate
Ballarat Central
580.8 / 1k
Ballarat North
87.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ballarat Central
761
Ballarat North
59
Population
Ballarat Central
5,378
Ballarat North
4,041
Metric leadBallarat Central 7Ballarat North 3across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesBallarat Central
- Best for familiesBallarat Central
- Best for investmentBallarat Central
- Best for best valueBallarat North
- Best for best schoolsBallarat Central
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 | Ballarat Central | Ballarat North |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 69.1/100 | 55.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 54.9/100 | 78.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 580.8 / 1k | 87.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 63 | 20 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 80.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 761 | 59 |
| Planning activity | 234 | 30 |
| Population | 5,378 | 4,041 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Ballarat Central is a regional mid-sized suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace, and Ballarat North is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience.
Ballarat Central tends to lead on schools and education options and public transport access, while Ballarat North stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Choose Ballarat Central if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Ballarat North for value-focused buyers.