Overall score
Gilles Plains
59.3/100
Northfield
43.5/100
Gilles Plains for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Gilles Plains
59.3/100
Northfield
43.5/100
Crime rate
Gilles Plains
88.8 / 1k
Northfield
80.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Gilles Plains
149
Northfield
74
Population
Gilles Plains
4,101
Northfield
5,043
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 | Gilles Plains | Northfield |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 59.3/100 | 43.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 73.0/100 | 55.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 88.8 / 1k | 80.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 24 | 14 |
| Walkability | 79.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 149 | 74 |
| Planning activity | 48 | 58 |
| Population | 4,101 | 5,043 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 2/10 |
Gilles Plains reads as an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap; Northfield is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Gilles Plains sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Northfield is closer to the city centre.
Gilles Plains pulls ahead on housing affordability and public transport access, whereas Northfield is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and a larger local community.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Gilles Plains, while Northfield remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.