Overall score
Forestville
48.1/100
Malvern
49.5/100
Forestville vs Malvern, SA suburb comparison
Forestville for investment and value; Malvern for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ForestvilleMalvern
Crime rate
Forestville
50.6 / 1k
Malvern
50.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Forestville
107
Malvern
119
Population
Forestville
1,400
Malvern
2,713
Metric leadForestville 3Malvern 6across 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMalvern
- Best for familiesMalvern
- Best for investmentForestville
- Best for best valueForestville
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 | Forestville | Malvern |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 48.1/100 | 49.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 46.4/100 | 20.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 50.6 / 1k | 50.9 / 1k |
| Public transport stops | 9 | 16 |
| Walkability | 36.5/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 107 | 119 |
| Planning activity | 25 | 42 |
| Population | 1,400 | 2,713 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Forestville is a well-serviced metro smaller community with plenty happening nearby, and Malvern is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Forestville tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Malvern stands out for public transport access and walkability.
Investors and value-focused buyers may find Forestville the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Malvern.