Overall score
Mount Gambier
51.5/100
Pakenham
46.8/100
Mount Gambier vs Pakenham Suburb Comparison (SA vs VIC)
Mount Gambier for retirees and investment; Pakenham for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Mount GambierPakenham
Crime rate
Mount Gambier
58.7 / 1k
Pakenham
81.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Mount Gambier
565
Pakenham
488
Population
Mount Gambier
25,591
Pakenham
54,118
Metric leadMount Gambier 7Pakenham 32 tiedacross 12 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMount Gambier
- Best for familiesPakenham
- Best for investmentMount Gambier
- Best for best valuePakenham
- Best for best schoolsPakenham
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 | Mount Gambier | Pakenham |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 51.5/100 | 46.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 70.8/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 58.7 / 1k | 81.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 20 | 4 |
| Weather (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 82.3/100 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 24 |
| Public transport stops | 121 | 258 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 565 | 488 |
| Planning activity | 238 | 494 |
| Green cover | 8.0% | 4.4% |
| Population | 25,591 | 54,118 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Across states, Mount Gambier is a leafier hillside larger suburb with elevated outlooks, whereas Pakenham is a well-serviced metro larger suburb with plenty happening nearby. Mount Gambier sits among greener hillside streets, while Pakenham keeps a flatter suburban layout.
On the data, Mount Gambier is stronger for a quieter safety profile, schools and education options, and nearby cafés and amenities; Pakenham answers with housing affordability, public transport access, and overall desirability. On housing, Mount Gambier sits in a affordable band, compared with a gently premium feel in Pakenham.
On balance, retirees, investors, value-focused buyers, and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Pakenham, while Mount Gambier remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.