Charnwood vs Melba, ACT suburb comparison

Melba for retirees and families.

See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.

Head to head

Visual comparison

CharnwoodMelba

Overall score

Charnwood

62.9/100

Melba

67.3/100

Crime rate

Charnwood

28.7 / 1k

Melba

12.6 / 1k

Nearby amenities

Charnwood

194

Melba

113

Population

Charnwood

3,055

Melba

3,383

Metric leadCharnwood 2Melba 52 tiedacross 9 compared metrics

Livability profile

Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs

Quick verdicts

Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)

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.

CategoryCharnwoodMelba
Overall score62.9/10067.3/100
Housing (desirability)76.0/10076.0/100
Crime rate28.7 / 1k12.6 / 1k
Schools & preschools36
Parks & reserves5
Walkability96.0/10061.0/100
Nearby amenities194113
Planning activity33
Population3,0553,383
SEIFA (IRSAD decile)5/109/10

Comparison summary

Charnwood is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Melba is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap.

On the data, Charnwood is stronger for walkability and nearby cafés and amenities; Melba answers with a quieter safety profile and schools and education options. Charnwood generally means more mid-market housing value, while Melba leans toward more sought-after housing.

On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Melba, while Charnwood remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.

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