Overall score
Mount Gambier
67.1/100
Pakenham
74.1/100
Mount Gambier vs Pakenham suburb comparison (SA vs VIC)
Pakenham for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Mount GambierPakenham
Crime rate
Mount Gambier
67.0 / 1k
Pakenham
84.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Mount Gambier
554
Pakenham
455
Population
Mount Gambier
25,591
Pakenham
54,118
Metric leadMount Gambier 4Pakenham 51 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | 67.1/100 | 74.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 55.7/100 | 81.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 67.0 / 1k | 84.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 20 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 24 |
| Public transport stops | 121 | 258 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 554 | 455 |
| Planning activity | 198 | 494 |
| 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 and schools and education options; Pakenham answers with housing affordability and public transport access. On housing, Mount Gambier sits in a affordable band, compared with a well priced feel in Pakenham.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Pakenham, while Mount Gambier remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.