Overall score
Melrose
34.6/100
Wilmington
25.4/100
Melrose vs Wilmington, SA suburb comparison
Melrose for retirees and families; Wilmington for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
MelroseWilmington
Crime rate
Melrose
5.7 / 1k
Wilmington
29.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Melrose
15
Wilmington
1
Population
Melrose
342
Wilmington
667
Metric leadMelrose 5Wilmington 23 tiedacross 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 retireesMelrose
- Best for familiesMelrose
- Best for investmentWilmington
- Best for best valueWilmington
- Best for best schoolsMelrose
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 | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 34.6/100 | 25.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 12.2/100 | 29.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 5.7 / 1k | 29.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 1 | 1 |
| Walkability | 1.5/100 | 1.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 15 | 1 |
| Planning activity | 8 | 10 |
| Population | 342 | 667 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 3/10 |
Comparison summary
Melrose reads as a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience; Wilmington is a quieter smaller community with space and a country-town pace.
Melrose tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and nearby cafés and amenities, while Wilmington stands out for housing affordability and a larger local community.
Choose Melrose if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Wilmington for investors and value-focused buyers.