Overall score
Kensington
45.4/100
Norwood
56.9/100
Kensington for families and investment; Norwood for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Kensington
45.4/100
Norwood
56.9/100
Crime rate
Kensington
31.6 / 1k
Norwood
76.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Kensington
79
Norwood
674
Population
Kensington
1,808
Norwood
6,354
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 | Kensington | Norwood |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.4/100 | 56.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 21.4/100 | 14.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 31.6 / 1k | 76.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 8 | 29 |
| Walkability | 20.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 79 | 674 |
| Planning activity | 18 | 111 |
| Population | 1,808 | 6,354 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Put side by side, Kensington is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by, and Norwood is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Kensington pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Norwood is the better pick for public transport access and walkability.
Families may find Kensington the better fit, while retirees and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Norwood.