Overall score
Bendigo
71.4/100
Geelong
69.4/100
Bendigo vs Geelong, VIC suburb comparison
Bendigo for families and value; Geelong for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BendigoGeelong
Crime rate
Bendigo
653.7 / 1k
Geelong
664.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bendigo
845
Geelong
1,403
Population
Bendigo
5,652
Geelong
5,811
Metric leadBendigo 5Geelong 51 tiedacross 11 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 | Geelong |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.4/100 | 69.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 63.5/100 | 41.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 653.7 / 1k | 664.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 11 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 13 |
| Public transport stops | 82 | 51 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 845 | 1,403 |
| Planning activity | 309 | 222 |
| Population | 5,652 | 5,811 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Bendigo reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; Geelong is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone. Where Geelong is shaped by the coast, Bendigo offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Bendigo is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Geelong answers with parks and reserves and nearby cafés and amenities. Bendigo generally means more mid-market housing value, while Geelong leans toward more sought-after housing.
Bendigo suits families and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Geelong is the stronger match for retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle.