Overall score
Camberwell
70.1/100
Hawthorn
69.2/100
Camberwell vs Hawthorn, VIC suburb comparison
Camberwell for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CamberwellHawthorn
Crime rate
Camberwell
64.6 / 1k
Hawthorn
80.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Camberwell
742
Hawthorn
1,088
Population
Camberwell
21,965
Hawthorn
22,322
Metric leadCamberwell 5Hawthorn 42 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesCamberwell
- Best for familiesCamberwell
- Best for best valueCamberwell
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 | Camberwell | Hawthorn |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 70.1/100 | 69.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 9.0/100 | 3.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 64.6 / 1k | 80.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 10 | 18 |
| Parks & reserves | 15 | 27 |
| Public transport stops | 175 | 95 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 742 | 1,088 |
| Planning activity | 308 | 405 |
| Population | 21,965 | 22,322 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Camberwell is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, and Hawthorn is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Camberwell sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Hawthorn is closer to the city centre.
Camberwell tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Hawthorn stands out for schools and education options and parks and reserves.
On balance, retirees and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Camberwell, while Hawthorn remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.