Overall score
Castlemaine
68.2/100
Harcourt
38.5/100
Castlemaine for families and value; Harcourt for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Castlemaine
68.2/100
Harcourt
38.5/100
Crime rate
Castlemaine
101.0 / 1k
Harcourt
217.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Castlemaine
367
Harcourt
30
Population
Castlemaine
7,506
Harcourt
1,038
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 | Harcourt |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.2/100 | 38.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 66.1/100 | 68.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 101.0 / 1k | 217.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 16 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 45 | 6 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 11.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 367 | 30 |
| Population | 7,506 | 1,038 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 5/10 |
Put side by side, Castlemaine is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, and Harcourt is a regional smaller community with local services and a more relaxed pace.
On the data, Castlemaine is stronger for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options; Harcourt answers with housing affordability.
Castlemaine suits families and value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Harcourt is the stronger match for investors.