Overall score
Parafield Gardens
64.2/100
Pakenham
74.1/100
Parafield Gardens 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
Parafield GardensPakenham
Crime rate
Parafield Gardens
46.5 / 1k
Pakenham
84.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Parafield Gardens
164
Pakenham
455
Population
Parafield Gardens
18,467
Pakenham
54,118
Metric leadParafield Gardens 3Pakenham 7across 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 | Parafield Gardens | Pakenham |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 64.2/100 | 74.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 74.0/100 | 81.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 46.5 / 1k | 84.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 9 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | — | 24 |
| Public transport stops | 73 | 258 |
| Walkability | 76.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 164 | 455 |
| Planning activity | 150 | 494 |
| Population | 18,467 | 54,118 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 4/10 |
Comparison summary
Parafield Gardens (SA) is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Pakenham (VIC) is a well-serviced metro larger suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Parafield Gardens pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and schools and education options, whereas Pakenham is the better pick for housing affordability and public transport access. Parafield Gardens generally means more approachable housing costs, while Pakenham leans toward more mid-market housing value.
On balance, retirees and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Pakenham, while Parafield Gardens remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.