Overall score
Middleton Beach
37.3/100
Spencer Park
56.1/100
Middleton Beach for retirees and beach lifestyle; Spencer Park for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Middleton Beach
37.3/100
Spencer Park
56.1/100
Crime rate
Middleton Beach
4412.4 / 1k
Spencer Park
970.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Middleton Beach
47
Spencer Park
21
Population
Middleton Beach
759
Spencer Park
3,445
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Middleton Beach | Spencer Park |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 37.3/100 | 56.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 24.2/100 | 49.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 4412.4 / 1k | 970.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | — |
| Public transport stops | 9 | 13 |
| Walkability | 27.5/100 | 63.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 47 | 21 |
| Population | 759 | 3,445 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 2/10 |
Middleton Beach reads as a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone; Spencer Park is a regional mid-sized suburb with local services and a more relaxed pace. Middleton Beach leans into coastal living, while Spencer Park feels more inland and suburban in character.
Middleton Beach tends to lead on nearby cafés and amenities and stronger socioeconomic advantage, while Spencer Park stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Middleton Beach generally means more sought-after housing, while Spencer Park leans toward more approachable housing costs.
Retirees and families may find Middleton Beach the better fit, while investors and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Spencer Park.