McKellar vs Melba, ACT suburb comparison

Melba for families and investment.

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

Head to head

Visual comparison

McKellarMelba

Overall score

McKellar

52.1/100

Melba

67.3/100

Crime rate

McKellar

13.5 / 1k

Melba

12.6 / 1k

Nearby amenities

McKellar

52

Melba

113

Population

McKellar

2,740

Melba

3,383

Metric leadMcKellar 1Melba 71 tiedacross 9 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 score52.1/10067.3/100
Housing (desirability)76.0/10076.0/100
Crime rate13.5 / 1k12.6 / 1k
Schools & preschools46
Parks & reserves1
Walkability34.0/10061.0/100
Nearby amenities52113
Planning activity53
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 a quieter safety profile and stronger socioeconomic advantage; Melba answers with schools and education options and walkability.

Retirees may find McKellar the better fit, while families and investors are more likely to prefer Melba.

Related comparisons