Harkness vs Melton West
The verdict
Melton West is more affordable, with a median house price of $533K versus $565K in Harkness. Melton West rates higher for transport (49 vs 25). Melton West is closer to the coast (32.5 km vs 34.0 km). On the separate residential safety score, Harkness rates higher (85 vs 53/100 in Melton West).
Scores
| Harkness | Melton West | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 37 | 51 |
| Transport | 25 | 49 |
| Education | 45 | 42 |
| Liveability | 42 | 60 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Harkness | Melton West | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,463 | 8,784 |
| Median age | 30 | 36 |
| Median household income (wk) | $1,752 | $1,450 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 27.8% | 22.3% |
| Born in Australia | 63.2% | 67.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.1 | 2.8 |
Growth: Harkness High Growth · Melton West High Growth
Property
| Harkness | Melton West | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $565K | $533K |
| Median unit price | $417K | Data not available |
| House price YoY | -5.2% | -10.4% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Rental yield (house) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Days on market (house) | Data not available | Data not available |
Median price history
Safety
| Harkness | Melton West | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 85 | 53 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 217 | 467 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 209 | 421 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 497 | 672 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 3,210 | 9,950 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Harkness | Melton West | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 1 | 8 |
| Government | 1 | 4 |
| Independent | 0 | 2 |
| Average ICSEA | 998 | 970 |
See the full school list on each profile: Harkness · Melton West
Transport
| Harkness | Melton West | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 25 | 49 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 33 | 54 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 134 | 132 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 5.9 km | 3.9 km |
Liveability
| Harkness | Melton West | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 26.0°C | 26.0°C |
| Winter max temp | 13.5°C | 13.5°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 530 | 530 |
| Supermarkets | 0 | 4 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 0 | 5 |
| Parks | 23 | 13 |
| Playgrounds | 8 | 6 |
| Swimming pools | Data not available | Data not available |
| Medical GPs | 0 | 1 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 34.0 km | 32.5 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 40.7 km | 40.0 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 10.3 km | 9.5 km |
Population & growth
| Harkness | Melton West | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 12,463 | 8,784 |
| Estimated 2025 | 13,161 | 9,276 |
| Projected 2041 | 28,380 | 20,002 |
| Annual growth rate | 1.37% | 1.37% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Harkness or Melton West?
Harkness has the higher residential safety score (Harkness 85/100 vs Melton West 53/100).
Which is more affordable, Harkness or Melton West?
Melton West is more affordable, with a median house price of $533K versus $565K.
Which has better schools, Harkness or Melton West?
Harkness has a higher average school ICSEA (Harkness 998 vs Melton West 970; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Harkness or Melton West?
Melton West has the higher transport score (Harkness 25/100 vs Melton West 49/100).
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