Overall score
Balwyn
61.1/100
Hawthorn East
58.0/100
Balwyn vs Hawthorn East, VIC Suburb Comparison
Balwyn for families and value; Hawthorn East for investment and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalwynHawthorn East
Crime rate
Balwyn
53.6 / 1k
Hawthorn East
65.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balwyn
433
Hawthorn East
252
Population
Balwyn
13,495
Hawthorn East
14,834
Metric leadBalwyn 7Hawthorn East 42 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 familiesBalwyn
- Best for investmentHawthorn East
- Best for best valueBalwyn
- Best for best schoolsHawthorn East
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 | Hawthorn East |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 61.1/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 43.6/100 | 48.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 53.6 / 1k | 65.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 14 | 15 |
| Weather (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 82.3/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 47 | 28 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 85.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 433 | 252 |
| Planning activity | 119 | 209 |
| Green cover | 4.4% | 7.0% |
| Population | 13,495 | 14,834 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Balwyn reads as a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by; Hawthorn East is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Balwyn sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Hawthorn East is closer to the city centre.
On the data, Balwyn is stronger for housing affordability, a quieter safety profile, and parks and reserves; Hawthorn East answers with schools and education options, plus a larger local community.
Choose Balwyn if you are weighing value-focused buyers; lean toward Hawthorn East for retirees, families, and households prioritising schools.
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.