Overall score
Darlington
44.8/100
Dover Gardens
48.6/100
Darlington vs Dover Gardens, SA suburb comparison
Darlington for value and schools; Dover Gardens for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
DarlingtonDover Gardens
Crime rate
Darlington
132.1 / 1k
Dover Gardens
27.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Darlington
38
Dover Gardens
45
Population
Darlington
1,275
Dover Gardens
3,062
Metric leadDarlington 4Dover Gardens 5across 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesDover Gardens
- Best for familiesDover Gardens
- Best for investmentDover Gardens
- Best for best valueDarlington
- Best for best schoolsDarlington
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 | Darlington | Dover Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 44.8/100 | 48.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 53.7/100 | 41.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 132.1 / 1k | 27.3 / 1k |
| Public transport stops | 6 | 17 |
| Walkability | 53.0/100 | 27.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 38 | 45 |
| Planning activity | 10 | 42 |
| Population | 1,275 | 3,062 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Darlington is a settled metro smaller community that keeps everyday living grounded and accessible, while Dover Gardens is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Darlington tends to lead on housing affordability and walkability, while Dover Gardens stands out for a quieter safety profile and public transport access. On housing, Darlington sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Dover Gardens.
Darlington suits value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Dover Gardens is the stronger match for retirees and families.