Overall score
Barongarook
34.6/100
Colac
52.2/100
Barongarook for retirees and families; Colac for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Barongarook
34.6/100
Colac
52.2/100
Crime rate
Barongarook
23.8 / 1k
Colac
161.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Barongarook
2
Colac
0
Population
Barongarook
458
Colac
9,243
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 | Barongarook | Colac |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 34.6/100 | 52.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 45.0/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 23.8 / 1k | 161.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 13 |
| Public transport stops | — | 58 |
| Walkability | 0.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 2 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 4 | 23 |
| Population | 458 | 9,243 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 1/10 |
Barongarook reads as a more rural smaller community that rewards people who want room to breathe; Colac is a slower-paced established suburb with open surrounds.
Barongarook tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and nearby cafés and amenities, while Colac stands out for housing affordability and walkability. Barongarook generally means more mid-market housing value, while Colac leans toward more approachable housing costs.
Barongarook suits retirees more clearly, whereas Colac is the stronger match for investors and value-focused buyers.