Overall score
Ballarat North
55.5/100
Nerrina
45.0/100
Ballarat North for investment and value; Nerrina for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Ballarat North
55.5/100
Nerrina
45.0/100
Crime rate
Ballarat North
87.8 / 1k
Nerrina
43.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ballarat North
59
Nerrina
6
Population
Ballarat North
4,041
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 North | Nerrina |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 55.5/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 78.8/100 | 67.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 87.8 / 1k | 43.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | — |
| Public transport stops | 20 | — |
| Walkability | 80.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 59 | 6 |
| Planning activity | 30 | 9 |
| Population | 4,041 | 970 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 10/10 |
Ballarat North is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, while Nerrina is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds.
Ballarat North pulls ahead on housing affordability and schools and education options, whereas Nerrina is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook. On housing, Ballarat North sits in a well priced band, compared with a expensive feel in Nerrina.
Ballarat North suits investors and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Nerrina is the stronger match for retirees and families.