Overall score
Cockatoo
50.3/100
Pakenham Upper
53.1/100
Cockatoo vs Pakenham Upper, VIC suburb comparison
Cockatoo for schools; Pakenham Upper for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CockatooPakenham Upper
Crime rate
Cockatoo
44.3 / 1k
Pakenham Upper
32.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cockatoo
6
Pakenham Upper
4
Population
Cockatoo
4,408
Pakenham Upper
1,196
Metric leadCockatoo 4Pakenham Upper 6across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesPakenham Upper
- Best for familiesPakenham Upper
- Best for investmentPakenham Upper
- Best for best valuePakenham Upper
- Best for best schoolsCockatoo
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 | Cockatoo | Pakenham Upper |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 50.3/100 | 53.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 72.6/100 | 91.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 44.3 / 1k | 32.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 17 | 13 |
| Walkability | 25.5/100 | 19.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 6 | 4 |
| Planning activity | 108 | 38 |
| Population | 4,408 | 1,196 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Cockatoo reads as a practical metro mid-sized suburb with solid links to the wider city; Pakenham Upper is a leafier hillside smaller community with elevated outlooks. Pakenham Upper sits among greener hillside streets, while Cockatoo keeps a flatter suburban layout.
On the data, Cockatoo is stronger for public transport access and walkability; Pakenham Upper answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. On housing, Cockatoo sits in a well priced band, compared with a expensive feel in Pakenham Upper.
Choose Cockatoo if you are weighing households prioritising schools; lean toward Pakenham Upper for retirees and families.