Overall score
Harkness
55.3/100
Melton South
58.0/100
Harkness vs Melton South, VIC suburb comparison
Harkness for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
HarknessMelton South
Crime rate
Harkness
44.8 / 1k
Melton South
85.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Harkness
32
Melton South
172
Population
Harkness
12,463
Melton South
11,362
Metric leadHarkness 5Melton South 6across 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Harkness | Melton South |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 55.3/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 67.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 44.8 / 1k | 85.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 33 | 41 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 32 | 172 |
| Planning activity | 19 | 61 |
| Population | 12,463 | 11,362 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 1/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Harkness is a practical metro established suburb with approachable housing and suburban calm, and Melton South is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Harkness sits further out with more breathing room, whereas Melton South is in a middle-ring position.
Harkness tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Melton South stands out for schools and education options and parks and reserves.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Harkness, while Melton South remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.