Overall score
Scarborough
65.9/100
Wembley Downs
66.7/100
Scarborough for beach lifestyle; Wembley Downs for families and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Scarborough
65.9/100
Wembley Downs
66.7/100
Crime rate
Scarborough
578.7 / 1k
Wembley Downs
1601.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Scarborough
213
Wembley Downs
74
Population
Scarborough
17,605
Wembley Downs
6,743
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 | Scarborough | Wembley Downs |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 65.9/100 | 66.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 55.3/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 578.7 / 1k | 1601.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 7 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 6 | 9 |
| Public transport stops | 68 | 38 |
| Walkability | 85.0/100 | 61.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 213 | 74 |
| Planning activity | 1 | — |
| Population | 17,605 | 6,743 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Scarborough reads as a coastal established suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Wembley Downs is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Where Scarborough is shaped by the coast, Wembley Downs offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Scarborough is stronger for a quieter safety profile and public transport access; Wembley Downs answers with housing affordability and parks and reserves.
People chasing a beach lifestyle may find Scarborough the better fit, while families and investors are more likely to prefer Wembley Downs.