Overall score
Cockatoo
50.3/100
Gembrook
38.9/100
Cockatoo for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Cockatoo
50.3/100
Gembrook
38.9/100
Crime rate
Cockatoo
44.3 / 1k
Gembrook
207.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cockatoo
6
Gembrook
0
Population
Cockatoo
4,408
Gembrook
2,559
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 | Cockatoo | Gembrook |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 50.3/100 | 38.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 72.6/100 | 67.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 44.3 / 1k | 207.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | 11 |
| Public transport stops | 17 | 17 |
| Walkability | 25.5/100 | 25.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 6 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 108 | 69 |
| Population | 4,408 | 2,559 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
Cockatoo reads as a practical metro mid-sized suburb with solid links to the wider city; Gembrook is a hills mid-sized suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood. Gembrook sits among greener hillside streets, while Cockatoo keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Cockatoo pulls ahead on housing affordability and schools and education options, whereas Gembrook is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
On balance, families and investors are more likely to prefer Cockatoo, while Gembrook remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.