Overall score
Box Hill
64.4/100
Doncaster
66.6/100
Box Hill for investment; Doncaster for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Box Hill
64.4/100
Doncaster
66.6/100
Crime rate
Box Hill
144.6 / 1k
Doncaster
69.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Box Hill
777
Doncaster
480
Population
Box Hill
14,353
Doncaster
25,020
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 | Box Hill | Doncaster |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 64.4/100 | 66.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 10.1/100 | 15.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 144.6 / 1k | 69.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | 9 | 36 |
| Public transport stops | 107 | 111 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 777 | 480 |
| Planning activity | 203 | 297 |
| Population | 14,353 | 25,020 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Box Hill reads as a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby; Doncaster is a lively metro larger suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Box Hill pulls ahead on schools and education options and nearby cafés and amenities, whereas Doncaster is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Choose Box Hill if you are weighing investors; lean toward Doncaster for retirees and families.