Overall score
Bendigo
71.4/100
West Bendigo
32.2/100
Bendigo for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Bendigo
71.4/100
West Bendigo
32.2/100
Crime rate
Bendigo
653.7 / 1k
West Bendigo
147.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bendigo
845
West Bendigo
187
Population
Bendigo
5,652
West Bendigo
378
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 | Bendigo | West Bendigo |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.4/100 | 32.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 63.5/100 | 48.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 653.7 / 1k | 147.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 11 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 82 | 3 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 6.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 845 | 187 |
| Planning activity | 309 | 14 |
| Population | 5,652 | 378 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 2/10 |
Bendigo reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; West Bendigo is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience.
Bendigo tends to lead on housing affordability and schools and education options, while West Bendigo stands out for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook. Bendigo generally means more mid-market housing value, while West Bendigo leans toward more approachable housing costs.
On balance, families and investors are more likely to prefer Bendigo, while West Bendigo remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.