Overall score
Carlton River
22.4/100
Dodges Ferry
33.9/100
Dodges Ferry for value and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Carlton River
22.4/100
Dodges Ferry
33.9/100
Crime rate
Carlton River
2384.8 / 1k
Dodges Ferry
314.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Carlton River
0
Dodges Ferry
25
Population
Carlton River
347
Dodges Ferry
2,646
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 | Carlton River | Dodges Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 22.4/100 | 33.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 3.5/100 | 2.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 2384.8 / 1k | 314.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | — | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 1 |
| Walkability | 0.0/100 | 4.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 25 |
| Population | 347 | 2,646 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 4/10 |
Carlton River is a well-connected metro smaller community with a familiar suburban feel, while Dodges Ferry is a hills mid-sized suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood. Dodges Ferry sits among greener hillside streets, while Carlton River keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Carlton River tends to lead on housing affordability, while Dodges Ferry stands out for a quieter safety profile and walkability.
On balance, families and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Dodges Ferry, while Carlton River remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.