Overall score
Brighton
73.6/100
Elwood
70.1/100
Brighton for investment and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Brighton
73.6/100
Elwood
70.1/100
Crime rate
Brighton
60.2 / 1k
Elwood
62.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Brighton
559
Elwood
213
Population
Brighton
23,252
Elwood
15,153
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 | Brighton | Elwood |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 73.6/100 | 70.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 27.7/100 | 26.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 60.2 / 1k | 62.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 10 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 13 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 162 | 46 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 559 | 213 |
| Planning activity | 303 | 243 |
| Population | 23,252 | 15,153 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Put side by side, Brighton is a coastal established suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living, and Elwood is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone.
Brighton pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Elwood is the better pick for schools and education options and a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, investors and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Brighton, while Elwood remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.