Overall score
Harkness
55.3/100
Toolern Vale
23.0/100
Harkness vs Toolern Vale, VIC suburb comparison
Harkness for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
HarknessToolern Vale
Crime rate
Harkness
44.8 / 1k
Toolern Vale
149.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Harkness
32
Toolern Vale
8
Population
Harkness
12,463
Toolern Vale
818
Metric leadHarkness 7Toolern Vale 12 tiedacross 10 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 | Toolern Vale |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 55.3/100 | 23.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 17.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 44.8 / 1k | 149.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 33 | — |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 32 | 8 |
| Planning activity | 19 | 24 |
| Population | 12,463 | 818 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Harkness reads as a practical metro established suburb with approachable housing and suburban calm; Toolern Vale is a practical metro smaller community with solid links to the wider city.
On the data, Harkness is stronger for housing affordability and walkability; Toolern Vale answers with a quieter safety profile and stronger socioeconomic advantage. On housing, Harkness sits in a affordable band, compared with a well priced feel in Toolern Vale.
Choose Harkness if you are weighing families and investors; lean toward Toolern Vale for retirees.