Overall score
Ballarat Central
69.1/100
Newington
52.4/100
Ballarat Central vs Newington, VIC suburb comparison
Ballarat Central for investment; Newington for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Ballarat CentralNewington
Crime rate
Ballarat Central
580.8 / 1k
Newington
53.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ballarat Central
761
Newington
85
Population
Ballarat Central
5,378
Newington
1,844
Metric leadBallarat Central 5Newington 5across 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 retireesNewington
- Best for familiesNewington
- Best for investmentBallarat Central
- Best for best schoolsNewington
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 | Newington |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 69.1/100 | 52.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 54.9/100 | 71.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 580.8 / 1k | 53.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 63 | 10 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 15.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 761 | 85 |
| Planning activity | 234 | 43 |
| Population | 5,378 | 1,844 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Ballarat Central reads as a regional mid-sized suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace; Newington is a regional smaller community that feels self-contained without feeling remote.
Ballarat Central tends to lead on public transport access and walkability, while Newington stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. On housing, Ballarat Central sits in a well priced band, compared with a expensive feel in Newington.
Ballarat Central suits investors more clearly, whereas Newington is the stronger match for retirees and families.