Overall score
Balnarring
41.4/100
Merricks North
33.7/100
Balnarring vs Merricks North, VIC suburb comparison
Balnarring for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalnarringMerricks North
Crime rate
Balnarring
45.5 / 1k
Merricks North
74.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balnarring
15
Merricks North
5
Population
Balnarring
2,371
Merricks North
423
Metric leadBalnarring 7Merricks North 11 tiedacross 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesBalnarring
- Best for familiesBalnarring
- Best for investmentBalnarring
- Best for best valueBalnarring
- Best for best schoolsBalnarring
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 | Balnarring | Merricks North |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 41.4/100 | 33.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 14.5/100 | 2.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 45.5 / 1k | 74.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 9 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 5 | — |
| Walkability | 7.5/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 15 | 5 |
| Planning activity | 68 | 34 |
| Population | 2,371 | 423 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Balnarring is a well-connected metro smaller community with a familiar suburban feel, and Merricks North is a hillside smaller community with greener streets and a quieter pace. Merricks North sits among greener hillside streets, while Balnarring keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Balnarring pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Merricks North is the better pick for a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Balnarring, while Merricks North remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.