Overall score
Essendon
64.7/100
Essendon West
47.8/100
Essendon vs Essendon West, VIC suburb comparison
Essendon West for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
EssendonEssendon West
Crime rate
Essendon
62.3 / 1k
Essendon West
40.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Essendon
677
Essendon West
82
Population
Essendon
21,240
Essendon West
1,559
Metric leadEssendon 7Essendon West 31 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 retireesEssendon West
- Best for investmentEssendon West
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 | Essendon | Essendon West |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 64.7/100 | 47.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 10.5/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 62.3 / 1k | 40.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 13 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 12 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 164 | 8 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 14.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 677 | 82 |
| Planning activity | 223 | 25 |
| Population | 21,240 | 1,559 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Essendon reads as an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap; Essendon West is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Essendon tends to lead on schools and education options and parks and reserves, while Essendon West stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Essendon West, while Essendon remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.