Overall score
Hawthorn
69.2/100
Kew
69.3/100
Hawthorn for investment; Kew for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Hawthorn
69.2/100
Kew
69.3/100
Crime rate
Hawthorn
80.1 / 1k
Kew
65.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Hawthorn
1,088
Kew
616
Population
Hawthorn
22,322
Kew
24,499
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 | Kew |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 69.2/100 | 69.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 3.5/100 | 7.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 80.1 / 1k | 65.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 18 | 11 |
| Parks & reserves | 27 | 24 |
| Public transport stops | 95 | 116 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1,088 | 616 |
| Planning activity | 405 | 342 |
| Population | 22,322 | 24,499 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Hawthorn reads as a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by; Kew is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
On the data, Hawthorn is stronger for schools and education options and parks and reserves; Kew answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Hawthorn suits investors more clearly, whereas Kew is the stronger match for retirees.