Overall score
Balwyn North
62.5/100
Doncaster
54.4/100
Balwyn North vs Doncaster, VIC Suburb Comparison
Balwyn North for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Balwyn NorthDoncaster
Crime rate
Balwyn North
33.6 / 1k
Doncaster
74.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balwyn North
720
Doncaster
727
Population
Balwyn North
21,302
Doncaster
25,020
Metric leadBalwyn North 5Doncaster 62 tiedacross 13 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesBalwyn North
- Best for familiesBalwyn North
- Best for investmentBalwyn North
- Best for best schoolsBalwyn North
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 | Balwyn North | Doncaster |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 62.5/100 | 54.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 31.4/100 | 50.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 33.6 / 1k | 74.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 7 |
| Weather (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 82.3/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 11 | 36 |
| Public transport stops | 108 | 111 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 720 | 727 |
| Planning activity | 158 | 297 |
| Green cover | 10.7% | 12.4% |
| Population | 21,302 | 25,020 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Balwyn North is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, while Doncaster is a lively metro larger suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Balwyn North pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile, schools and education options, and overall desirability, whereas Doncaster is the better pick for housing affordability, parks and reserves, and public transport access.
On balance, retirees, families, investors, and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Balwyn North, while Doncaster remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.