Overall score
Gilles Plains
59.3/100
Hillcrest
48.7/100
Gilles Plains vs Hillcrest, SA suburb comparison
Gilles Plains for value; Hillcrest for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Gilles PlainsHillcrest
Crime rate
Gilles Plains
88.8 / 1k
Hillcrest
69.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Gilles Plains
149
Hillcrest
81
Population
Gilles Plains
4,101
Hillcrest
3,659
Metric leadGilles Plains 7Hillcrest 3across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesHillcrest
- Best for best valueGilles Plains
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 | Gilles Plains | Hillcrest |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 59.3/100 | 48.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 73.0/100 | 71.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 88.8 / 1k | 69.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 24 | 9 |
| Walkability | 79.0/100 | 21.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 149 | 81 |
| Planning activity | 48 | 28 |
| Population | 4,101 | 3,659 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Gilles Plains is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap, and Hillcrest is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Gilles Plains sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Hillcrest is closer to the city centre.
Gilles Plains tends to lead on housing affordability and schools and education options, while Hillcrest stands out for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook. On housing, Gilles Plains sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in Hillcrest.
Investors and value-focused buyers may find Gilles Plains the better fit, while retirees are more likely to prefer Hillcrest.