Overall score
Elwood
70.1/100
South Melbourne
68.8/100
Elwood vs South Melbourne, VIC suburb comparison
Elwood for retirees and beach lifestyle; South Melbourne for investment and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ElwoodSouth Melbourne
Crime rate
Elwood
62.5 / 1k
South Melbourne
305.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Elwood
213
South Melbourne
559
Population
Elwood
15,153
South Melbourne
11,548
Metric leadElwood 6South Melbourne 23 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesElwood
- Best for beach lifestyleElwood
- Best for investmentSouth Melbourne
- Best for best valueElwood
- Best for best schoolsSouth Melbourne
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 | Elwood | South Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 70.1/100 | 68.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 26.9/100 | 7.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 62.5 / 1k | 305.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 12 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 9 | 10 |
| Public transport stops | 46 | 45 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 213 | 559 |
| Planning activity | 243 | 247 |
| Population | 15,153 | 11,548 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Elwood is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone, and South Melbourne is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Where Elwood is shaped by the coast, South Melbourne offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Elwood is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; South Melbourne answers with parks and reserves and nearby cafés and amenities.
Elwood suits retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle more clearly, whereas South Melbourne is the stronger match for investors and households prioritising schools.