Overall score
Barwon Heads
59.3/100
Leopold
67.8/100
Barwon Heads for retirees and families; Leopold for beach lifestyle and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Barwon Heads
59.3/100
Leopold
67.8/100
Crime rate
Barwon Heads
32.9 / 1k
Leopold
47.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Barwon Heads
86
Leopold
146
Population
Barwon Heads
4,353
Leopold
13,272
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 | Barwon Heads | Leopold |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 59.3/100 | 67.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 22.2/100 | 84.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 32.9 / 1k | 47.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | 17 |
| Public transport stops | 25 | 70 |
| Walkability | 92.0/100 | 84.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 86 | 146 |
| Planning activity | 109 | 48 |
| Population | 4,353 | 13,272 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 5/10 |
Barwon Heads reads as a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone; Leopold is a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Barwon Heads sits among greener hillside streets, while Leopold keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Barwon Heads tends to lead on walkability and stronger socioeconomic advantage, while Leopold stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Barwon Heads generally means more sought-after housing, while Leopold leans toward more mid-market housing value.
Retirees and families may find Barwon Heads the better fit, while people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors are more likely to prefer Leopold.