Overall score
Carrum
65.4/100
Chelsea Heights
69.7/100
Carrum vs Chelsea Heights, VIC suburb comparison
Carrum for beach lifestyle; Chelsea Heights for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CarrumChelsea Heights
Crime rate
Carrum
63.6 / 1k
Chelsea Heights
60.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Carrum
181
Chelsea Heights
117
Population
Carrum
4,239
Chelsea Heights
5,393
Metric leadCarrum 2Chelsea Heights 9across 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 beach lifestyleCarrum
- Best for investmentChelsea Heights
- Best for best valueChelsea Heights
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 | Carrum | Chelsea Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 65.4/100 | 69.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 57.4/100 | 63.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 63.6 / 1k | 60.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 39 | 41 |
| Walkability | 90.0/100 | 98.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 181 | 117 |
| Planning activity | 90 | 39 |
| Population | 4,239 | 5,393 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
Carrum is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm, while Chelsea Heights is a hills mid-sized suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood. Carrum leans into coastal living, while Chelsea Heights feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Carrum is stronger for schools and education options and nearby cafés and amenities; Chelsea Heights answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
People chasing a beach lifestyle may find Carrum the better fit, while retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Chelsea Heights.