Overall score
Officer
70.3/100
Pakenham
74.1/100
Officer for retirees and families; Pakenham for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Officer
70.3/100
Pakenham
74.1/100
Crime rate
Officer
60.4 / 1k
Pakenham
84.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Officer
141
Pakenham
455
Population
Officer
18,503
Pakenham
54,118
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 | Officer | Pakenham |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 70.3/100 | 74.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 74.6/100 | 81.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 60.4 / 1k | 84.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | 24 |
| Public transport stops | 55 | 258 |
| Walkability | 55.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 141 | 455 |
| Planning activity | 159 | 494 |
| Population | 18,503 | 54,118 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 4/10 |
Put side by side, Officer is a lively metro established suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, and Pakenham is a well-serviced metro larger suburb with plenty happening nearby.
On the data, Officer is stronger for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options; Pakenham answers with housing affordability and parks and reserves.
Retirees and families may find Officer the better fit, while investors and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Pakenham.