Overall score
Bendigo
71.4/100
Castlemaine
68.2/100
Bendigo vs Castlemaine, VIC suburb comparison
Bendigo for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BendigoCastlemaine
Crime rate
Bendigo
653.7 / 1k
Castlemaine
101.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bendigo
845
Castlemaine
367
Population
Bendigo
5,652
Castlemaine
7,506
Metric leadBendigo 4Castlemaine 42 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Bendigo | Castlemaine |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.4/100 | 68.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 63.5/100 | 66.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 653.7 / 1k | 101.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 11 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 16 |
| Public transport stops | 82 | 45 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 845 | 367 |
| Planning activity | 309 | — |
| Population | 5,652 | 7,506 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Bendigo is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, while Castlemaine is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience.
On the data, Bendigo is stronger for schools and education options and public transport access; Castlemaine answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Bendigo, while Castlemaine remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.