Overall score
Clayton
67.4/100
Mulgrave
71.7/100
Mulgrave for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Clayton
67.4/100
Mulgrave
71.7/100
Crime rate
Clayton
87.6 / 1k
Mulgrave
75.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Clayton
1,210
Mulgrave
173
Population
Clayton
18,988
Mulgrave
19,889
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Clayton | Mulgrave |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 67.4/100 | 71.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 18.9/100 | 59.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 87.6 / 1k | 75.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 14 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 111 | 110 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1,210 | 173 |
| Planning activity | 252 | 188 |
| Population | 18,988 | 19,889 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 9/10 |
Clayton is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Mulgrave is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Clayton tends to lead on parks and reserves and public transport access, while Mulgrave stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Mulgrave, while Clayton remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.