Overall score
Hawthorn
46.5/100
Mitcham
39.6/100
Mitcham for families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Hawthorn
46.5/100
Mitcham
39.6/100
Crime rate
Hawthorn
49.7 / 1k
Mitcham
23.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Hawthorn
119
Mitcham
93
Population
Hawthorn
2,221
Mitcham
1,832
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 | Hawthorn | Mitcham |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 46.5/100 | 39.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 11.8/100 | 18.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 49.7 / 1k | 23.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 20 | 11 |
| Walkability | 69.0/100 | 24.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 119 | 93 |
| Planning activity | 27 | 30 |
| Population | 2,221 | 1,832 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Hawthorn is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by, while Mitcham is a well-serviced metro smaller community with plenty happening nearby.
Hawthorn tends to lead on public transport access and walkability, while Mitcham stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Hawthorn, while Mitcham remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.