Overall score
Pakenham
74.1/100
Pakenham Upper
53.1/100
Pakenham vs Pakenham Upper, VIC suburb comparison
Pakenham for value and schools; Pakenham Upper for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
PakenhamPakenham Upper
Crime rate
Pakenham
84.3 / 1k
Pakenham Upper
32.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Pakenham
455
Pakenham Upper
4
Population
Pakenham
54,118
Pakenham Upper
1,196
Metric leadPakenham 6Pakenham Upper 4across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesPakenham Upper
- Best for investmentPakenham Upper
- 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 | Pakenham | Pakenham Upper |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 74.1/100 | 53.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 81.2/100 | 91.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 84.3 / 1k | 32.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | — |
| Parks & reserves | 24 | 5 |
| Public transport stops | 258 | 13 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 19.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 455 | 4 |
| Planning activity | 494 | 38 |
| Population | 54,118 | 1,196 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Pakenham is a well-serviced metro larger suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Pakenham Upper is a leafier hillside smaller community with elevated outlooks. Pakenham Upper sits among greener hillside streets, while Pakenham keeps a flatter suburban layout.
On the data, Pakenham is stronger for parks and reserves and public transport access; Pakenham Upper answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Pakenham generally means more mid-market housing value, while Pakenham Upper leans toward more sought-after housing.
Value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools may find Pakenham the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Pakenham Upper.