Overall score
Preston
71.2/100
Thornbury
71.6/100
Preston vs Thornbury, VIC suburb comparison
Preston for value and schools; Thornbury for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
PrestonThornbury
Crime rate
Preston
167.5 / 1k
Thornbury
71.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Preston
1,170
Thornbury
468
Population
Preston
33,790
Thornbury
19,005
Metric leadPreston 5Thornbury 51 tiedacross 11 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 | Preston | Thornbury |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 71.2/100 | 71.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 23.7/100 | 16.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 167.5 / 1k | 71.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 14 | 16 |
| Parks & reserves | 26 | 25 |
| Public transport stops | 234 | 90 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1,170 | 468 |
| Planning activity | 458 | 192 |
| Population | 33,790 | 19,005 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Preston reads as a lively metro larger suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by; Thornbury is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
On the data, Preston is stronger for housing affordability and parks and reserves; Thornbury answers with a quieter safety profile and schools and education options.
Choose Preston if you are weighing value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools; lean toward Thornbury for retirees.