Overall score
Howard Springs
41.3/100
Palmerston City
—
Howard Springs vs Palmerston City, NT suburb comparison
Howard Springs for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Howard SpringsPalmerston City
Nearby amenities
Howard Springs
0
Palmerston City
158
Population
Howard Springs
3,153
Palmerston City
194
Metric leadHoward Springs 3Palmerston City 31 tiedacross 7 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesHoward Springs
- Best for familiesHoward Springs
- Best for investmentHoward Springs
- Best for best valueHoward Springs
- Best for best schoolsHoward Springs
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 | Howard Springs | Palmerston City |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 41.3/100 | — |
| Housing (desirability) | 32.4/100 | — |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 20 | 7 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 76.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 0 | 158 |
| Population | 3,153 | 194 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Howard Springs is a practical metro mid-sized suburb with solid links to the wider city, and Palmerston City is a residential smaller community with a settled community character.
On the data, Howard Springs is stronger for a quieter safety profile and public transport access; Palmerston City answers with walkability and nearby cafés and amenities.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Howard Springs, while Palmerston City remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.