Overall score
Montrose
71.6/100
Mooroolbark
76.8/100
Montrose for investment; Mooroolbark for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Montrose
71.6/100
Mooroolbark
76.8/100
Crime rate
Montrose
36.9 / 1k
Mooroolbark
43.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Montrose
187
Mooroolbark
539
Population
Montrose
6,900
Mooroolbark
23,059
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 | Montrose | Mooroolbark |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.6/100 | 76.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 63.1/100 | 66.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 36.9 / 1k | 43.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 17 | 31 |
| Public transport stops | 38 | 54 |
| Walkability | 94.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 187 | 539 |
| Planning activity | 64 | 248 |
| Population | 6,900 | 23,059 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
Montrose reads as a leafier hillside mid-sized suburb with elevated outlooks; Mooroolbark is a leafier hillside established suburb with elevated outlooks.
Montrose tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook, while Mooroolbark stands out for housing affordability and schools and education options.
Investors may find Montrose the better fit, while families and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Mooroolbark.