Overall score
Meadows
55.9/100
Mount Barker
60.9/100
Meadows vs Mount Barker, SA suburb comparison
Meadows for retirees and investment; Mount Barker for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
MeadowsMount Barker
Crime rate
Meadows
8.3 / 1k
Mount Barker
29.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Meadows
50
Mount Barker
250
Population
Meadows
1,717
Mount Barker
18,330
Metric leadMeadows 4Mount Barker 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 retireesMeadows
- Best for investmentMeadows
- Best for best valueMeadows
- Best for best schoolsMount Barker
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 | Meadows | Mount Barker |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 55.9/100 | 60.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 91.7/100 | 47.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 8.3 / 1k | 29.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 5 | 64 |
| Walkability | 32.5/100 | 80.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 50 | 250 |
| Planning activity | 31 | 450 |
| Population | 1,717 | 18,330 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Meadows is a regional smaller community that feels self-contained without feeling remote, and Mount Barker is a leafier hillside established suburb with elevated outlooks. Mount Barker sits among greener hillside streets, while Meadows keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Meadows tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Mount Barker stands out for schools and education options and public transport access.
Retirees and investors may find Meadows the better fit, while households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Mount Barker.