Overall score
Melrose Park
46.8/100
St Marys
48.3/100
Melrose Park vs St Marys, SA suburb comparison
Melrose Park for retirees; St Marys for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Melrose ParkSt Marys
Crime rate
Melrose Park
78.3 / 1k
St Marys
96.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Melrose Park
148
St Marys
131
Population
Melrose Park
2,319
St Marys
3,010
Metric leadMelrose Park 4St Marys 5across 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMelrose Park
- Best for investmentSt Marys
- Best for best valueSt Marys
- Best for best schoolsSt Marys
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 | Melrose Park | St Marys |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 46.8/100 | 48.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 34.0/100 | 51.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 78.3 / 1k | 96.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| Parks & reserves | — | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 15 | 17 |
| Walkability | 53.5/100 | 33.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 148 | 131 |
| Planning activity | 43 | 39 |
| Population | 2,319 | 3,010 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Melrose Park reads as a well-serviced metro smaller community with plenty happening nearby; St Marys is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
On the data, Melrose Park is stronger for a quieter safety profile and walkability; St Marys answers with housing affordability and public transport access.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer St Marys, while Melrose Park remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.