Forrest vs Marengo, VIC suburb comparison

Forrest for schools; Marengo for retirees and beach lifestyle.

See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.

Head to head

Visual comparison

ForrestMarengo

Overall score

Forrest

20.9/100

Marengo

20.2/100

Crime rate

Forrest

51.4 / 1k

Marengo

30.4 / 1k

Nearby amenities

Forrest

4

Marengo

11

Population

Forrest

257

Marengo

272

Metric leadForrest 2Marengo 53 tiedacross 10 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.

CategoryForrestMarengo
Overall score20.9/10020.2/100
Housing (desirability)2.6/10010.6/100
Crime rate51.4 / 1k30.4 / 1k
Schools & preschools1
Parks & reserves31
Public transport stops22
Walkability3.0/1003.0/100
Nearby amenities411
Planning activity44
Population257272
SEIFA (IRSAD decile)6/107/10

Comparison summary

Forrest is a quieter smaller community with space and a country-town pace, while Marengo is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Marengo leans into coastal living, while Forrest feels more inland and suburban in character.

On the data, Forrest is stronger for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves; Marengo answers with housing affordability and nearby cafés and amenities.

Forrest suits families and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Marengo is the stronger match for people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors.

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