Overall score
Geelong
69.4/100
Newtown
73.6/100
Geelong for beach lifestyle and investment; Newtown for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Geelong
69.4/100
Newtown
73.6/100
Crime rate
Geelong
664.0 / 1k
Newtown
—
Nearby amenities
Geelong
1,403
Newtown
721
Population
Geelong
5,811
Newtown
10,445
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Geelong | Newtown |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 69.4/100 | 73.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 41.5/100 | 28.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 664.0 / 1k | — |
| Schools & preschools | 10 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 13 | 13 |
| Public transport stops | 51 | 51 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1,403 | 721 |
| Planning activity | 222 | 210 |
| Population | 5,811 | 10,445 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Put side by side, Geelong is a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone, and Newtown is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Geelong leans into coastal living, while Newtown feels more inland and suburban in character.
Geelong pulls ahead on housing affordability and nearby cafés and amenities, whereas Newtown is the better pick for overall desirability and a calmer planning outlook.
People chasing a beach lifestyle and investors may find Geelong the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Newtown.