Overall score
Portland
63.1/100
Warrnambool
65.1/100
Portland for schools; Warrnambool for retirees and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Portland
63.1/100
Warrnambool
65.1/100
Crime rate
Portland
168.2 / 1k
Warrnambool
106.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Portland
110
Warrnambool
114
Population
Portland
10,016
Warrnambool
31,308
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 | Portland | Warrnambool |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 63.1/100 | 65.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 68.0/100 | 77.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 168.2 / 1k | 106.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | 25 |
| Public transport stops | 60 | 170 |
| Walkability | 67.0/100 | 61.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 110 | 114 |
| Planning activity | 82 | 545 |
| Population | 10,016 | 31,308 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 4/10 |
Put side by side, Portland is a regional established suburb that feels self-contained without feeling remote, and Warrnambool is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience. Portland sits further into the wider countryside, whereas Warrnambool is more regionally self-contained.
On the data, Portland is stronger for schools and education options and walkability; Warrnambool answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. On housing, Portland sits in a affordable band, compared with a well priced feel in Warrnambool.
Portland suits households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Warrnambool is the stronger match for retirees and value-focused buyers.