Overall score
Fairfield
68.3/100
Northcote
73.7/100
Fairfield vs Northcote, VIC suburb comparison
Fairfield for investment; Northcote for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
FairfieldNorthcote
Crime rate
Fairfield
68.1 / 1k
Northcote
66.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Fairfield
382
Northcote
931
Population
Fairfield
6,535
Northcote
25,276
Metric leadFairfield 1Northcote 82 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Fairfield | Northcote |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.3/100 | 73.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 11.8/100 | 19.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 68.1 / 1k | 66.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 17 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 20 |
| Public transport stops | 54 | 160 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 382 | 931 |
| Planning activity | 62 | 377 |
| Population | 6,535 | 25,276 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Fairfield is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Northcote is an energetic metro larger suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
On the data, Fairfield is stronger for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook; Northcote answers with housing affordability and schools and education options.
Investors may find Fairfield the better fit, while value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Northcote.