Overall score
Ballarat Central
69.1/100
Black Hill
51.3/100
Ballarat Central vs Black Hill, VIC suburb comparison
Ballarat Central for investment; Black Hill for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Ballarat CentralBlack Hill
Crime rate
Ballarat Central
580.8 / 1k
Black Hill
44.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ballarat Central
761
Black Hill
42
Population
Ballarat Central
5,378
Black Hill
2,124
Metric leadBallarat Central 7Black Hill 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 familiesBlack Hill
- Best for investmentBallarat Central
- Best for best valueBlack Hill
- Best for best schoolsBlack Hill
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 | Black Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 69.1/100 | 51.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 54.9/100 | 80.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 580.8 / 1k | 44.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 63 | 13 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 19.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 761 | 42 |
| Planning activity | 234 | 21 |
| Population | 5,378 | 2,124 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Ballarat Central reads as a regional mid-sized suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace; Black Hill 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 Black Hill stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Choose Ballarat Central if you are weighing retirees and investors; lean toward Black Hill for families and households prioritising schools.