Overall score
Darwin City
63.9/100
Palmerston City
—
Darwin City vs Palmerston City, NT suburb comparison
Darwin City for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Darwin CityPalmerston City
Nearby amenities
Darwin City
607
Palmerston City
158
Population
Darwin City
7,149
Palmerston City
194
Metric leadDarwin City 6Palmerston City 1across 7 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesDarwin City
- Best for familiesDarwin City
- Best for investmentDarwin City
- Best for best valueDarwin City
- Best for best schoolsDarwin City
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 | Darwin City | Palmerston City |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 63.9/100 | — |
| Housing (desirability) | 3.6/100 | — |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 14 | 7 |
| Walkability | 91.0/100 | 76.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 607 | 158 |
| Population | 7,149 | 194 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Darwin City reads as a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby; Palmerston City is a residential smaller community with a settled community character.
On the data, Darwin City is stronger for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves; Palmerston City answers with improving crime trends and good access to parks. Darwin City generally means more sought-after housing, while Palmerston City leans toward more mid-market housing value.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Darwin City, while Palmerston City remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.