Overall score
Ballarat East
62.2/100
Nerrina
45.0/100
Ballarat East for investment and value; Nerrina for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Ballarat East
62.2/100
Nerrina
45.0/100
Crime rate
Ballarat East
116.3 / 1k
Nerrina
43.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ballarat East
112
Nerrina
6
Population
Ballarat East
5,937
Nerrina
970
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 | Nerrina |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 62.2/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.7/100 | 67.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 116.3 / 1k | 43.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | — |
| Public transport stops | 40 | — |
| Walkability | 84.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 112 | 6 |
| Planning activity | 118 | 9 |
| Population | 5,937 | 970 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 10/10 |
Ballarat East reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; Nerrina is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds.
On the data, Ballarat East is stronger for housing affordability and schools and education options; Nerrina answers with a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook. Ballarat East generally means more approachable housing costs, while Nerrina leans toward more sought-after housing.
Investors and value-focused buyers may find Ballarat East the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Nerrina.