Overall score
Harkness
35.7/100
Melton West
33.9/100
Harkness vs Melton West, VIC Suburb Comparison
Harkness for families; Melton West for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
HarknessMelton West
Crime rate
Harkness
45.4 / 1k
Melton West
111.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Harkness
34
Melton West
56
Population
Harkness
12,463
Melton West
8,784
Metric leadHarkness 5Melton West 62 tiedacross 13 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMelton West
- Best for familiesHarkness
- Best for investmentMelton West
- Best for best schoolsMelton West
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 | 35.7/100 | 33.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 42.5/100 | 53.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 45.4 / 1k | 111.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 5 |
| Weather (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 82.3/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 33 | 54 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 34 | 56 |
| Planning activity | 19 | 25 |
| Green cover | 4.4% | 4.8% |
| 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 lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. 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, overall desirability, and a calmer planning outlook, while Melton West stands out for schools and education options, parks and reserves, and public transport access.
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.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.