Overall score
Castlemaine
68.2/100
Muckleford
42.7/100
Castlemaine vs Muckleford, VIC suburb comparison
Castlemaine for value and schools; Muckleford for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CastlemaineMuckleford
Crime rate
Castlemaine
101.0 / 1k
Muckleford
29.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Castlemaine
367
Muckleford
10
Population
Castlemaine
7,506
Muckleford
426
Metric leadCastlemaine 8Muckleford 2across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMuckleford
- Best for familiesMuckleford
- Best for investmentMuckleford
- 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 | Muckleford |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.2/100 | 42.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 66.1/100 | 52.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 101.0 / 1k | 29.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 16 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 45 | 2 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 3.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 367 | 10 |
| Population | 7,506 | 426 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Castlemaine reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; Muckleford is a more rural smaller community that rewards people who want room to breathe.
Castlemaine tends to lead on housing affordability and schools and education options, while Muckleford stands out for a quieter safety profile and stronger socioeconomic advantage.
Value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools may find Castlemaine the better fit, while retirees and investors are more likely to prefer Muckleford.