Overall score
Herne Hill
35.8/100
Middle Swan
41.8/100
Herne Hill for retirees; Middle Swan for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Herne Hill
35.8/100
Middle Swan
41.8/100
Crime rate
Herne Hill
5931.2 / 1k
Middle Swan
3220.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Herne Hill
41
Middle Swan
59
Population
Herne Hill
1,542
Middle Swan
2,852
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 | Herne Hill | Middle Swan |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 35.8/100 | 41.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 16.3/100 | 31.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 5931.2 / 1k | 3220.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 32 | 48 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 41 | 59 |
| Population | 1,542 | 2,852 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 2/10 |
Put side by side, Herne Hill is a practical metro smaller community with solid links to the wider city, and Middle Swan is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
On the data, Herne Hill is stronger for overall desirability and stronger socioeconomic advantage; Middle Swan answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Herne Hill generally means more sought-after housing, while Middle Swan leans toward more approachable housing costs.
Herne Hill suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Middle Swan is the stronger match for investors and value-focused buyers.