Overall score
Cowandilla
33.5/100
North Plympton
49.9/100
Cowandilla for investment; North Plympton for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Cowandilla
33.5/100
North Plympton
49.9/100
Crime rate
Cowandilla
52.3 / 1k
North Plympton
21.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cowandilla
41
North Plympton
85
Population
Cowandilla
1,455
North Plympton
3,610
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 | Cowandilla | North Plympton |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 33.5/100 | 49.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 38.1/100 | 32.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 52.3 / 1k | 21.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | — |
| Public transport stops | 8 | 20 |
| Walkability | 12.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 41 | 85 |
| Planning activity | 6 | 40 |
| Population | 1,455 | 3,610 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 7/10 |
Put side by side, Cowandilla is a well-connected metro smaller community with a familiar suburban feel, and North Plympton is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Cowandilla pulls ahead on housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook, whereas North Plympton is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and public transport access.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer North Plympton, while Cowandilla remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.