Overall score
Clifton Springs
54.2/100
Drysdale
52.4/100
Clifton Springs vs Drysdale, VIC suburb comparison
Clifton Springs for retirees and beach lifestyle; Drysdale for investment and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Clifton SpringsDrysdale
Crime rate
Clifton Springs
22.8 / 1k
Drysdale
45.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Clifton Springs
33
Drysdale
3
Population
Clifton Springs
7,646
Drysdale
4,976
Metric leadClifton Springs 7Drysdale 31 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesClifton Springs
- Best for beach lifestyleClifton Springs
- Best for investmentDrysdale
- Best for best schoolsDrysdale
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 | Clifton Springs | Drysdale |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 54.2/100 | 52.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 79.1/100 | 85.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 22.8 / 1k | 45.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 33 | 31 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 33 | 3 |
| Planning activity | 17 | 83 |
| Population | 7,646 | 4,976 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Clifton Springs reads as a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone; Drysdale is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone.
Clifton Springs pulls ahead on parks and reserves and public transport access, whereas Drysdale is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Drysdale, while Clifton Springs remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.