Overall score
Harkness
55.3/100
Melton West
54.7/100
Harkness vs Melton West, VIC suburb comparison
Harkness for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
HarknessMelton West
Crime rate
Harkness
44.8 / 1k
Melton West
111.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Harkness
32
Melton West
42
Population
Harkness
12,463
Melton West
8,784
Metric leadHarkness 5Melton West 42 tiedacross 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 West |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 55.3/100 | 54.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 82.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 44.8 / 1k | 111.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 33 | 54 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 32 | 42 |
| Planning activity | 19 | 25 |
| Population | 12,463 | 8,784 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Harkness reads as a practical metro established suburb with approachable housing and suburban calm; Melton West is a settled metro established suburb that keeps everyday living grounded and accessible. Harkness sits further out with more breathing room, whereas Melton West is in a middle-ring position.
Harkness tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and overall desirability, while Melton West stands out for schools and education options and parks and reserves.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Harkness, while Melton West remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.