Overall score
Essendon
64.7/100
Moonee Ponds
69.0/100
Essendon vs Moonee Ponds, VIC suburb comparison
Essendon for retirees and families; Moonee Ponds for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
EssendonMoonee Ponds
Crime rate
Essendon
62.3 / 1k
Moonee Ponds
94.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Essendon
677
Moonee Ponds
533
Population
Essendon
21,240
Moonee Ponds
16,224
Metric leadEssendon 5Moonee Ponds 33 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
- Best for familiesEssendon
- Best for investmentMoonee Ponds
- Best for best schoolsEssendon
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 | Moonee Ponds |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 64.7/100 | 69.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 10.5/100 | 12.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 62.3 / 1k | 94.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 13 | 13 |
| Parks & reserves | 12 | 11 |
| Public transport stops | 164 | 96 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 677 | 533 |
| Planning activity | 223 | 216 |
| Population | 21,240 | 16,224 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Essendon is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Moonee Ponds is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Essendon pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves, whereas Moonee Ponds is the better pick for housing affordability and overall desirability.
Essendon suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Moonee Ponds is the stronger match for investors.