Overall score
Castlemaine
68.2/100
Chewton
43.0/100
Castlemaine for value and schools; Chewton for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Castlemaine
68.2/100
Chewton
43.0/100
Crime rate
Castlemaine
101.0 / 1k
Chewton
39.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Castlemaine
367
Chewton
5
Population
Castlemaine
7,506
Chewton
763
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 | Castlemaine | Chewton |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.2/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 66.1/100 | 64.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 101.0 / 1k | 39.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 16 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 45 | 9 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 13.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 367 | 5 |
| Population | 7,506 | 763 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 6/10 |
Castlemaine reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; Chewton is a more rural smaller community that rewards people who want room to breathe.
On the data, Castlemaine is stronger for housing affordability and schools and education options; Chewton answers with a quieter safety profile and stronger socioeconomic advantage.
Value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools may find Castlemaine the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Chewton.