Overall score
Maddingley
50.9/100
Merrimu
40.1/100
Maddingley vs Merrimu, VIC suburb comparison
Maddingley for investment and value; Merrimu for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
MaddingleyMerrimu
Crime rate
Maddingley
75.7 / 1k
Merrimu
45.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Maddingley
58
Merrimu
0
Population
Maddingley
5,491
Merrimu
397
Metric leadMaddingley 5Merrimu 3across 8 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMerrimu
- Best for familiesMerrimu
- Best for investmentMaddingley
- Best for best valueMaddingley
- Best for best schoolsMaddingley
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 | Maddingley | Merrimu |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 50.9/100 | 40.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 54.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 75.7 / 1k | 45.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | — |
| Public transport stops | 24 | — |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 0.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 58 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 53 | 11 |
| Population | 5,491 | 397 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
Comparison summary
Maddingley reads as a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby; Merrimu is a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds. Maddingley sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Merrimu is more regionally self-contained.
Maddingley pulls ahead on housing affordability and walkability, whereas Merrimu is the better pick for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
Choose Maddingley if you are weighing investors and value-focused buyers; lean toward Merrimu for retirees and families.