Overall score
Clifton Springs
54.2/100
Portarlington
45.2/100
Clifton Springs vs Portarlington, VIC suburb comparison
Clifton Springs for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Clifton SpringsPortarlington
Crime rate
Clifton Springs
22.8 / 1k
Portarlington
36.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Clifton Springs
33
Portarlington
1
Population
Clifton Springs
7,646
Portarlington
4,436
Metric leadClifton Springs 7Portarlington 22 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 familiesClifton Springs
- Best for beach lifestyleClifton Springs
- Best for investmentClifton Springs
- Best for best valueClifton Springs
- Best for best schoolsClifton Springs
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 | Portarlington |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 54.2/100 | 45.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 79.1/100 | 36.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 22.8 / 1k | 36.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 33 | 36 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 33 | 1 |
| Planning activity | 17 | 104 |
| Population | 7,646 | 4,436 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Clifton Springs reads as a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone; Portarlington is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm.
On the data, Clifton Springs is stronger for housing affordability and schools and education options; Portarlington answers with a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
On balance, people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors are more likely to prefer Clifton Springs, while Portarlington remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.