Overall score
Charnwood
57.0/100
Melba
59.8/100
Charnwood vs Melba, ACT Suburb Comparison
Charnwood for investment; Melba for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CharnwoodMelba
Crime rate
Charnwood
28.7 / 1k
Melba
12.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Charnwood
196
Melba
120
Population
Charnwood
3,055
Melba
3,383
Metric leadCharnwood 3Melba 71 tiedacross 11 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.
| Category | Charnwood | Melba |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 57.0/100 | 59.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 70.0/100 | 59.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 28.7 / 1k | 12.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 6 |
| Weather (desirability) | 51.2/100 | 51.2/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | — |
| Walkability | 96.0/100 | 61.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 196 | 120 |
| Planning activity | 5 | 3 |
| Green cover | 3.7% | 20.3% |
| Population | 3,055 | 3,383 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 9/10 |
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, plus nearby cafés and amenities; Melba answers with a quieter safety profile, schools and education options, and overall desirability. Charnwood generally means more mid-market housing value, while Melba leans toward more sought-after housing.
On balance, retirees, families, investors, and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Melba, while Charnwood remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.
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.