Pakenham vs Tarneit
The verdict
Pakenham is more affordable, with a median house price of $645K versus $650K in Tarneit. Pakenham rates higher for transport (98 vs 89). Tarneit rates higher for education (73 vs 51). Tarneit is closer to the coast (13.4 km vs 16.3 km). On the separate residential safety score, Pakenham rates higher (77 vs 62/100 in Tarneit).
Scores
| Pakenham | Tarneit | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 78 | 80 |
| Transport | 98 | 89 |
| Education | 51 | 73 |
| Liveability | 81 | 78 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Pakenham | Tarneit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 54,118 | 56,370 |
| Median age | 33 | 30 |
| Median household income (wk) | $1,664 | $2,103 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 29.7% | 53.6% |
| Born in Australia | 67.3% | 37.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.8 | 3.4 |
Growth: Pakenham High Growth · Tarneit High Growth
Property
| Pakenham | Tarneit | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $645K | $650K |
| Median unit price | $476K | $443K |
| House price YoY | 1.6% | -0.5% |
| 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
| Pakenham | Tarneit | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 77 | 62 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 220 | 435 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 351 | 436 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 501 | 389 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 6,081 | 5,723 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Pakenham | Tarneit | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 13 | 15 |
| Government | 9 | 8 |
| Independent | 3 | 3 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,004 | 1,055 |
See the full school list on each profile: Pakenham · Tarneit
Transport
| Pakenham | Tarneit | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 98 | 89 |
| Train stations | 2 | 1 |
| Bus stops | 166 | 152 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 116 | 61 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 780 m | 2.7 km |
Liveability
| Pakenham | Tarneit | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 25.8°C | 26.0°C |
| Winter max temp | 14.2°C | 13.5°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 600 | 530 |
| Supermarkets | 10 | 8 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 20 | 7 |
| Parks | 119 | 163 |
| Playgrounds | 55 | 25 |
| Swimming pools | 33 | 17 |
| Medical GPs | 4 | 2 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 16.3 km | 13.4 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 54.1 km | 26.3 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 12.6 km | 6.4 km |
Population & growth
| Pakenham | Tarneit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 54,118 | 56,370 |
| Estimated 2025 | 56,493 | 57,655 |
| Projected 2041 | 89,915 | 101,795 |
| Annual growth rate | 1.08% | 0.57% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Pakenham or Tarneit?
Pakenham has the higher residential safety score (Pakenham 77/100 vs Tarneit 62/100).
Which is more affordable, Pakenham or Tarneit?
Pakenham is more affordable, with a median house price of $645K versus $650K.
Which has better schools, Pakenham or Tarneit?
Tarneit has a higher average school ICSEA (Pakenham 1004 vs Tarneit 1055; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Pakenham or Tarneit?
Pakenham has the higher transport score (Pakenham 98/100 vs Tarneit 89/100).
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