Overall score
Breakwater
40.5/100
Marshall
42.3/100
Breakwater vs Marshall, VIC suburb comparison
Breakwater for investment and value; Marshall for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BreakwaterMarshall
Crime rate
Breakwater
204.5 / 1k
Marshall
26.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Breakwater
45
Marshall
76
Population
Breakwater
1,060
Marshall
2,299
Metric leadBreakwater 2Marshall 8across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMarshall
- Best for investmentBreakwater
- Best for best valueBreakwater
- Best for best schoolsBreakwater
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 | Breakwater | Marshall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 40.5/100 | 42.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 65.6/100 | 57.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 204.5 / 1k | 26.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 14 | 19 |
| Walkability | 25.0/100 | 28.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 45 | 76 |
| Planning activity | 35 | 27 |
| Population | 1,060 | 2,299 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Breakwater is an energetic metro smaller community where cafés and local life overlap, and Marshall is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Breakwater pulls ahead on housing affordability and schools and education options, whereas Marshall is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and public transport access. Breakwater generally means more approachable housing costs, while Marshall leans toward more mid-market housing value.
Choose Breakwater if you are weighing families and investors; lean toward Marshall for retirees.