Overall score
Essendon
64.7/100
Strathmore Heights
49.9/100
Essendon vs Strathmore Heights, VIC suburb comparison
Essendon for schools; Strathmore Heights for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
EssendonStrathmore Heights
Crime rate
Essendon
62.3 / 1k
Strathmore Heights
30.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Essendon
677
Strathmore Heights
44
Population
Essendon
21,240
Strathmore Heights
1,047
Metric leadEssendon 8Strathmore Heights 3across 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 retireesStrathmore Heights
- Best for familiesStrathmore Heights
- Best for investmentStrathmore Heights
- 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 | Strathmore Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 64.7/100 | 49.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 10.5/100 | 28.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 62.3 / 1k | 30.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 13 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 12 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 164 | 8 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 12.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 677 | 44 |
| Planning activity | 223 | 7 |
| Population | 21,240 | 1,047 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Essendon reads as an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap; Strathmore Heights is a leafier hillside smaller community with elevated outlooks. Strathmore Heights sits among greener hillside streets, while Essendon keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Essendon pulls ahead on schools and education options and parks and reserves, whereas Strathmore Heights is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Essendon suits households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Strathmore Heights is the stronger match for retirees and families.