Overall score
McLaren Flat
43.3/100
McLaren Vale
56.2/100
McLaren Flat vs McLaren Vale, SA suburb comparison
McLaren Flat for retirees and families; McLaren Vale for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
McLaren FlatMcLaren Vale
Crime rate
McLaren Flat
10.3 / 1k
McLaren Vale
28.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
McLaren Flat
7
McLaren Vale
147
Population
McLaren Flat
1,625
McLaren Vale
4,061
Metric leadMcLaren Flat 4McLaren Vale 6across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMcLaren Flat
- Best for familiesMcLaren Flat
- Best for best schoolsMcLaren Vale
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 | McLaren Flat | McLaren Vale |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 43.3/100 | 56.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 62.7/100 | 54.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 10.3 / 1k | 28.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 6 | 26 |
| Walkability | 9.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 7 | 147 |
| Planning activity | 26 | 73 |
| Population | 1,625 | 4,061 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
McLaren Flat is a hillside smaller community with greener streets and a quieter pace, while McLaren Vale is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby. McLaren Flat sits among greener hillside streets, while McLaren Vale keeps a flatter suburban layout.
McLaren Flat tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while McLaren Vale stands out for schools and education options and public transport access.
McLaren Flat suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas McLaren Vale is the stronger match for investors and households prioritising schools.