Overall score
Castlemaine
68.2/100
McKenzie Hill
33.4/100
Castlemaine vs McKenzie Hill, VIC suburb comparison
Castlemaine for value and schools; McKenzie Hill for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CastlemaineMcKenzie Hill
Crime rate
Castlemaine
101.0 / 1k
McKenzie Hill
22.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Castlemaine
367
McKenzie Hill
3
Population
Castlemaine
7,506
McKenzie Hill
775
Metric leadCastlemaine 6McKenzie Hill 3across 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMcKenzie Hill
- Best for familiesMcKenzie Hill
- Best for investmentMcKenzie Hill
- Best for best valueCastlemaine
- Best for best schoolsCastlemaine
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 | Castlemaine | McKenzie Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.2/100 | 33.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 66.1/100 | 89.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 101.0 / 1k | 22.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 16 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 45 | 1 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 1.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 367 | 3 |
| Population | 7,506 | 775 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Castlemaine is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, and McKenzie Hill is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds.
On the data, Castlemaine is stronger for parks and reserves and public transport access; McKenzie Hill answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Choose Castlemaine if you are weighing value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools; lean toward McKenzie Hill for retirees and investors.