Overall score
Kilsyth
68.4/100
Montrose
71.6/100
Kilsyth for schools; Montrose for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Kilsyth
68.4/100
Montrose
71.6/100
Crime rate
Kilsyth
58.1 / 1k
Montrose
36.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Kilsyth
260
Montrose
187
Population
Kilsyth
11,699
Montrose
6,900
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 | Kilsyth | Montrose |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.4/100 | 71.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 68.2/100 | 63.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 58.1 / 1k | 36.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 20 | 17 |
| Public transport stops | 56 | 38 |
| Walkability | 82.0/100 | 94.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 260 | 187 |
| Planning activity | 230 | 64 |
| Population | 11,699 | 6,900 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 8/10 |
Kilsyth is a hillside established suburb with greener streets and a quieter pace, while Montrose is a leafier hillside mid-sized suburb with elevated outlooks.
Kilsyth tends to lead on housing affordability and schools and education options, while Montrose stands out for a quieter safety profile and walkability.
Kilsyth suits households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Montrose is the stronger match for retirees and investors.