Overall score
Spotswood
58.5/100
Williamstown
69.5/100
Spotswood vs Williamstown, VIC suburb comparison
Williamstown for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
SpotswoodWilliamstown
Crime rate
Spotswood
165.7 / 1k
Williamstown
80.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Spotswood
149
Williamstown
392
Population
Spotswood
2,820
Williamstown
14,407
Metric leadSpotswood 2Williamstown 81 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesWilliamstown
- Best for familiesWilliamstown
- Best for beach lifestyleWilliamstown
- Best for investmentWilliamstown
- Best for best valueWilliamstown
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 | Spotswood | Williamstown |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 58.5/100 | 69.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 37.4/100 | 38.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 165.7 / 1k | 80.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | 17 |
| Public transport stops | 26 | 82 |
| Walkability | 73.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 149 | 392 |
| Planning activity | 62 | 382 |
| Population | 2,820 | 14,407 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Spotswood is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap, and Williamstown is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone. Where Williamstown is shaped by the coast, Spotswood offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Spotswood is stronger for a quieter safety profile and schools and education options; Williamstown answers with housing affordability and parks and reserves.
On balance, people chasing a beach lifestyle and investors are more likely to prefer Williamstown, while Spotswood remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.