Overall score
Latham
62.8/100
Melba
67.3/100
Latham for investment; Melba for families and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Latham
62.8/100
Melba
67.3/100
Crime rate
Latham
10.5 / 1k
Melba
12.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Latham
89
Melba
113
Population
Latham
3,767
Melba
3,383
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.
Latham reads as an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap; Melba is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
On the data, Latham is stronger for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options; Melba answers with walkability and nearby cafés and amenities. On housing, Latham sits in a well priced band, compared with a expensive feel in Melba.
Investors may find Latham the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Melba.