McKellar vs Melba, ACT Suburb Comparison

Melba for retirees and families.

See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.

Head to head

Visual comparison

McKellarMelba

Overall score

McKellar

42.0/100

Melba

59.8/100

Crime rate

McKellar

13.5 / 1k

Melba

12.6 / 1k

Nearby amenities

McKellar

60

Melba

120

Population

McKellar

2,740

Melba

3,383

Metric leadMcKellar 1Melba 91 tiedacross 11 compared metrics

Livability profile

Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs

Quick verdicts

Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)

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.

CategoryMcKellarMelba
Overall score42.0/10059.8/100
Housing (desirability)57.4/10059.3/100
Crime rate13.5 / 1k12.6 / 1k
Schools & preschools46
Weather (desirability)51.2/10051.2/100
Parks & reserves1—
Walkability34.0/10061.0/100
Nearby amenities60120
Planning activity53
Green cover7.9%20.3%
Population2,7403,383
SEIFA (IRSAD decile)10/109/10

Comparison summary

McKellar reads as a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by; Melba is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap. McKellar sits closer to the city centre, whereas Melba is in a middle-ring position.

On the data, McKellar is stronger for stronger socioeconomic advantage; Melba answers with a quieter safety profile, schools and education options, and walkability.

On balance, families, investors, value-focused buyers, and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Melba, while McKellar remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.

Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.

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