Overall score
Ballarat East
62.2/100
Black Hill
51.3/100
Ballarat East for investment and value; Black Hill for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Ballarat East
62.2/100
Black Hill
51.3/100
Crime rate
Ballarat East
116.3 / 1k
Black Hill
44.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ballarat East
112
Black Hill
42
Population
Ballarat East
5,937
Black Hill
2,124
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Ballarat East | Black Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 62.2/100 | 51.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.7/100 | 80.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 116.3 / 1k | 44.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 40 | 13 |
| Walkability | 84.0/100 | 19.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 112 | 42 |
| Planning activity | 118 | 21 |
| Population | 5,937 | 2,124 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 5/10 |
Ballarat East reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; Black Hill is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience.
Ballarat East pulls ahead on public transport access and walkability, whereas Black Hill is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Ballarat East generally means more approachable housing costs, while Black Hill leans toward more mid-market housing value.
Ballarat East suits investors and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Black Hill is the stronger match for retirees and families.