Overall score
Desert Springs
36.7/100
Gillen
51.0/100
Desert Springs vs Gillen, NT suburb comparison
Desert Springs for retirees; Gillen for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Desert SpringsGillen
Crime rate
Desert Springs
1446.7 / 1k
Gillen
544.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Desert Springs
66
Gillen
77
Population
Desert Springs
1,536
Gillen
4,466
Metric leadDesert Springs 1Gillen 8across 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 retireesDesert Springs
- Best for familiesGillen
- Best for investmentGillen
- Best for best valueGillen
- Best for best schoolsGillen
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 | Desert Springs | Gillen |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 36.7/100 | 51.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 35.2/100 | 43.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 1446.7 / 1k | 544.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 7 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 3 | 12 |
| Walkability | 10.5/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 66 | 77 |
| Population | 1,536 | 4,466 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Desert Springs is a regional smaller community that feels self-contained without feeling remote, while Gillen is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience.
Desert Springs tends to lead on stronger socioeconomic advantage, while Gillen stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Desert Springs generally means more sought-after housing, while Gillen leans toward more mid-market housing value.
Choose Desert Springs if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Gillen for investors and value-focused buyers.