Carrum vs Chelsea Heights, VIC suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Carrum | Chelsea Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 64.3/100 | 67.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 57.4/100 | 63.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 66.1 / 1k | 61.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 40 | 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 |
Quick verdicts
- Best for beach lifestyleCarrum
- Best for investmentChelsea Heights
- Best for best valueChelsea Heights
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 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 investors and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Chelsea Heights.