Overall score
Glen Waverley
73.0/100
Mulgrave
71.7/100
Glen Waverley for schools; Mulgrave for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Glen Waverley
73.0/100
Mulgrave
71.7/100
Crime rate
Glen Waverley
58.5 / 1k
Mulgrave
75.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Glen Waverley
693
Mulgrave
173
Population
Glen Waverley
42,642
Mulgrave
19,889
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 | Glen Waverley | Mulgrave |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 73.0/100 | 71.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 16.3/100 | 59.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 58.5 / 1k | 75.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 11 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 23 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 192 | 110 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 693 | 173 |
| Planning activity | 407 | 188 |
| Population | 42,642 | 19,889 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Glen Waverley is an energetic metro larger suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Mulgrave is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby.
On the data, Glen Waverley is stronger for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options; Mulgrave answers with housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook.
Choose Glen Waverley if you are weighing households prioritising schools; lean toward Mulgrave for investors and value-focused buyers.