Overall score
Forrest
49.3/100
Marengo
54.5/100
Forrest vs Marengo, VIC Suburb Comparison
Forrest for schools; Marengo for families and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ForrestMarengo
Crime rate
Forrest
51.4 / 1k
Marengo
30.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Forrest
9
Marengo
19
Population
Forrest
257
Marengo
272
Metric leadForrest 3Marengo 54 tiedacross 12 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 | Forrest | Marengo |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 49.3/100 | 54.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 44.2/100 | 42.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 51.4 / 1k | 30.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| Weather (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 82.3/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 2 | 2 |
| Walkability | 3.0/100 | 3.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 9 | 19 |
| Planning activity | 4 | 4 |
| Green cover | 52.3% | 44.2% |
| Population | 257 | 272 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
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 parks and reserves, plus overall desirability; Marengo answers with housing affordability, a quieter safety profile, and nearby cafés and amenities. On housing, Forrest sits in a well priced band, compared with a gently premium feel in Marengo.
Forrest suits households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Marengo is the stronger match for retirees, people chasing a beach lifestyle, investors, and value-focused buyers.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.