Overall score
Ellen Grove
48.3/100
Forest Lake
72.9/100
Ellen Grove vs Forest Lake, QLD suburb comparison
Forest Lake for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Ellen GroveForest Lake
Crime rate
Ellen Grove
28.6 / 1k
Forest Lake
28.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Ellen Grove
39
Forest Lake
257
Population
Ellen Grove
3,586
Forest Lake
22,676
Metric leadEllen Grove 1Forest Lake 9across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesForest Lake
- Best for investmentForest Lake
- Best for best valueForest Lake
- Best for best schoolsForest Lake
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 | Ellen Grove | Forest Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 48.3/100 | 72.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 46.5/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 28.6 / 1k | 28.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 7 | 14 |
| Public transport stops | 15 | 43 |
| Walkability | 47.5/100 | 92.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 39 | 257 |
| Population | 3,586 | 22,676 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Ellen Grove reads as a practical metro mid-sized suburb with approachable housing and suburban calm; Forest Lake is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
On the data, Ellen Grove is stronger for relatively affordable housing and good access to parks; Forest Lake answers with housing affordability and parks and reserves. Ellen Grove generally means more approachable housing costs, while Forest Lake leans toward more sought-after housing.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Forest Lake, while Ellen Grove remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.