Overall score
Footscray
70.4/100
West Footscray
65.5/100
Footscray vs West Footscray, VIC suburb comparison
Footscray for schools; West Footscray for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
FootscrayWest Footscray
Crime rate
Footscray
209.1 / 1k
West Footscray
69.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Footscray
1,215
West Footscray
339
Population
Footscray
17,131
West Footscray
11,729
Metric leadFootscray 6West Footscray 5across 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 retireesWest Footscray
- Best for investmentWest Footscray
- Best for best schoolsFootscray
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 | Footscray | West Footscray |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 70.4/100 | 65.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 26.7/100 | 32.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 209.1 / 1k | 69.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 26 | 10 |
| Public transport stops | 223 | 65 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 77.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1,215 | 339 |
| Planning activity | 83 | 34 |
| Population | 17,131 | 11,729 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Footscray reads as an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap; West Footscray is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Footscray pulls ahead on parks and reserves and public transport access, whereas West Footscray is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Footscray generally means more mid-market housing value, while West Footscray leans toward more sought-after housing.
Households prioritising schools may find Footscray the better fit, while retirees and investors are more likely to prefer West Footscray.