Overall score
Ballarat Central
69.1/100
Bendigo
71.4/100
Ballarat Central vs Bendigo, VIC suburb comparison
Ballarat Central for investment; Bendigo for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Ballarat CentralBendigo
Crime rate
Ballarat Central
580.8 / 1k
Bendigo
653.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ballarat Central
761
Bendigo
845
Population
Ballarat Central
5,378
Bendigo
5,652
Metric leadBallarat Central 3Bendigo 61 tiedacross 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 familiesBendigo
- Best for investmentBallarat Central
- Best for best valueBendigo
- Best for best schoolsBendigo
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 | Bendigo |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 69.1/100 | 71.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 54.9/100 | 63.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 580.8 / 1k | 653.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 11 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 10 |
| Public transport stops | 63 | 82 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 761 | 845 |
| Planning activity | 234 | 309 |
| Population | 5,378 | 5,652 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Ballarat Central is a regional mid-sized suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace, while Bendigo is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience.
Ballarat Central pulls ahead on a calmer planning outlook and stronger socioeconomic advantage, whereas Bendigo is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Investors may find Ballarat Central the better fit, while families and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Bendigo.