Overall score
Geelong West
62.7/100
Hamlyn Heights
63.8/100
Hamlyn Heights for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Geelong West
62.7/100
Hamlyn Heights
63.8/100
Crime rate
Geelong West
122.8 / 1k
Hamlyn Heights
33.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Geelong West
683
Hamlyn Heights
182
Population
Geelong West
7,345
Hamlyn Heights
6,518
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 West | Hamlyn Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 62.7/100 | 63.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 38.9/100 | 71.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 122.8 / 1k | 33.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 14 | 12 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 33 | 33 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 683 | 182 |
| Planning activity | 183 | 58 |
| Population | 7,345 | 6,518 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 6/10 |
Geelong West is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Hamlyn Heights is a leafier hillside mid-sized suburb with elevated outlooks. Hamlyn Heights sits among greener hillside streets, while Geelong West keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Geelong West tends to lead on schools and education options and walkability, while Hamlyn Heights stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Hamlyn Heights, while Geelong West remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.