Overall score
Camberwell
70.1/100
Hawthorn East
61.1/100
Camberwell for investment and value; Hawthorn East for families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Camberwell
70.1/100
Hawthorn East
61.1/100
Crime rate
Camberwell
64.6 / 1k
Hawthorn East
64.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Camberwell
742
Hawthorn East
230
Population
Camberwell
21,965
Hawthorn East
14,834
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 | Camberwell | Hawthorn East |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 70.1/100 | 61.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 9.0/100 | 3.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 64.6 / 1k | 64.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 10 | 15 |
| Parks & reserves | 15 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 175 | 28 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 85.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 742 | 230 |
| Planning activity | 308 | 209 |
| Population | 21,965 | 14,834 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Camberwell reads as an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap; Hawthorn East is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Camberwell sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Hawthorn East is closer to the city centre.
Camberwell tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Hawthorn East stands out for schools and education options and a calmer planning outlook.
Investors and value-focused buyers may find Camberwell the better fit, while families are more likely to prefer Hawthorn East.