Overall score
Castlemaine
65.4/100
Muckleford
55.0/100
Castlemaine vs Muckleford, VIC Suburb Comparison
Castlemaine for investment and value; Muckleford for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CastlemaineMuckleford
Crime rate
Castlemaine
97.8 / 1k
Muckleford
33.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Castlemaine
384
Muckleford
13
Population
Castlemaine
7,506
Muckleford
426
Metric leadCastlemaine 8Muckleford 31 tiedacross 12 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for familiesMuckleford
- Best for investmentCastlemaine
- Best for best valueCastlemaine
- Best for best schoolsMuckleford
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 | 65.4/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 71.1/100 | 49.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 97.8 / 1k | 33.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 1 |
| Weather (desirability) | 53.4/100 | 53.4/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 16 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 45 | 2 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 3.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 384 | 13 |
| Green cover | 18.3% | 21.1% |
| 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, schools and education options, and parks and reserves, while Muckleford stands out for a quieter safety profile and stronger socioeconomic advantage. Castlemaine generally means more mid-market housing value, while Muckleford leans toward housing toward the upper end of the market.
Value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools may find Castlemaine the better fit, while retirees, families, and investors are more likely to prefer Muckleford.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.