Overall score
Blackburn
69.7/100
Box Hill
64.4/100
Blackburn for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Blackburn
69.7/100
Box Hill
64.4/100
Crime rate
Blackburn
58.0 / 1k
Box Hill
144.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Blackburn
901
Box Hill
777
Population
Blackburn
14,478
Box Hill
14,353
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 | Blackburn | Box Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 69.7/100 | 64.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 21.5/100 | 10.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 58.0 / 1k | 144.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 12 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 110 | 107 |
| Walkability | 85.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 901 | 777 |
| Planning activity | 318 | 203 |
| Population | 14,478 | 14,353 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 7/10 |
Blackburn is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, while Box Hill is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Blackburn pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Box Hill is the better pick for walkability and a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Blackburn, while Box Hill remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.