Darley vs Merrimu, VIC suburb comparison
Which suburb suits you better?
Side-by-side comparison of 16 categories from official government and open data.
| Category | Darley | Merrimu |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.4/100 | 44.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 54.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 67.2 / 1k | 50.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | — |
| Public transport stops | 27 | — |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 19 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 38 | 11 |
| Population | 9,190 | 397 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 7/10 |
Quick verdicts
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Darley is a well-connected metro established suburb with a familiar suburban feel, and Merrimu is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds. Darley sits further out with more breathing room, whereas Merrimu is more regionally self-contained.
Darley tends to lead on housing affordability and walkability, while Merrimu stands out for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
Choose Darley if you are weighing investors and value-focused buyers; lean toward Merrimu for retirees.