Overall score
Highgate
43.3/100
Mount Lawley
65.1/100
Highgate for schools; Mount Lawley for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Highgate
43.3/100
Mount Lawley
65.1/100
Crime rate
Highgate
3756.8 / 1k
Mount Lawley
935.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Highgate
90
Mount Lawley
389
Population
Highgate
2,326
Mount Lawley
11,328
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 | Highgate | Mount Lawley |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 43.3/100 | 65.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 7.7/100 | 17.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 3756.8 / 1k | 935.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 8 | 48 |
| Walkability | 36.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 90 | 389 |
| Population | 2,326 | 11,328 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Highgate reads as a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by; Mount Lawley is a hillside established suburb with greener streets and a quieter pace. Mount Lawley sits among greener hillside streets, while Highgate keeps a flatter suburban layout.
On the data, Highgate is stronger for an affluent, sought-after address and improving crime trends; Mount Lawley answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Mount Lawley, while Highgate remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.