Overall score
Essendon North
45.7/100
Essendon West
47.8/100
Essendon North for investment; Essendon West for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Essendon North
45.7/100
Essendon West
47.8/100
Crime rate
Essendon North
100.3 / 1k
Essendon West
40.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Essendon North
86
Essendon West
82
Population
Essendon North
3,071
Essendon West
1,559
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Essendon North | Essendon West |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.7/100 | 47.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 16.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 100.3 / 1k | 40.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 9 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 13 | 8 |
| Walkability | 40.5/100 | 14.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 86 | 82 |
| Planning activity | 27 | 25 |
| Population | 3,071 | 1,559 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Essendon North is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Essendon West is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Essendon North pulls ahead on public transport access and walkability, whereas Essendon West is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Essendon North suits investors more clearly, whereas Essendon West is the stronger match for retirees and families.