Overall score
Clinton
56.8/100
Kirkwood
44.8/100
Clinton for families and schools; Kirkwood for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Clinton
56.8/100
Kirkwood
44.8/100
Crime rate
Clinton
52.8 / 1k
Kirkwood
52.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Clinton
54
Kirkwood
8
Population
Clinton
6,170
Kirkwood
2,513
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.
Clinton is a regional mid-sized suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote, while Kirkwood is a more rural mid-sized suburb that rewards people who want room to breathe.
Clinton pulls ahead on parks and reserves and walkability, whereas Kirkwood is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Clinton generally means more approachable housing costs, while Kirkwood leans toward more sought-after housing.
Clinton suits households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Kirkwood is the stronger match for retirees and investors.