How does NextSuburb rank Australian suburbs?

We score every suburb 0–100 across eight investment-grade signals — capital growth, population growth, supply tightening, rental yield, vacancy rate, income growth, infrastructure pipeline exposure and affordability headroom — then weight them by the strategy you choose (Growth, Balanced, or Yield).

What data sources do you use?

ABS, ATO, SQM Research, Domain, realestate.com.au and the infrastructure portals of every state and territory. Full list and update cadence on /sources.

Is NextSuburb financial advice?

No. NextSuburb is a screening tool. Scores describe how well a suburb fits a filter today — not a forecast and not a recommendation to buy.

How often is the data updated?

Full dataset rebuilt monthly. Listings, vacancy and rent monthly. ABS and ATO annually. Infrastructure quarterly.

Why is NextSuburb free?

Because the data underneath it is mostly public. We'll launch a paid pro tier with saved alerts and deeper analytics — the core suburb screen will stay free.

Best Australian suburbs to invest in.

Name: NextSuburb AU Suburb Investment Index
Creator: NextSuburb
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Tell us your budget and strategy. Get the three best suburbs for your filter in 30 seconds — scored across eight investment-grade signals. Free. No signup.

9,375 suburbs · ABS · ATO · SQM Research · Domain · realestate.com.au · State infrastructure authorities

Your recommended picks

Best buys under $500k

Best overall pick for you

🥇Balanced pick

Wodonga

Best all-rounder on the index — no single dimension dominates and none lags.

Why it wins · Most balanced profile in your filter — +2 pts over Elizabeth.

Stable but fully pricedVIC · 3689$485k median

49Moderate

View whyDetails

Drivers

Supply tightening-8.0% YoY
Income growth+22.0% (5y)
Capital growth7.9%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)

Risks

At top of budget (97% of cap)
No major construction project in this state

Closest construction ·North East Link — Bulleen243.4 kmConstruction · 2028

Darebin · scored against your filter

Open detail page →

🥈Secondary pickGrowth

Junction Village

68Strong

12.4%/yr capital growth with population +7.8% over five years.

VIC · $480kView why

Drivers

Capital growth12.4%/yr
Supply tightening-6.0% YoY
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Rental yield3.5%

Risks

At top of budget (96% of cap)
No major construction project in this state

Stable but fully priced

Open →

🥉Alternative pickYield

Lower Macdonald

77Standout

8.3% yield in a tight rental market — 1.3% vacancy backs the cashflow.

NSW · $195kView why

Drivers

Rental yield8.3%
Supply tightening-5.0% YoY
Tight rentals1.3%
Population growth+6.5% (5y)

Risks

No major construction project in this state

Stable entry · room to scale

Open →

Score legend · 0–40 weak · 40–60 moderate · 60–75 strong · 75+ exceptional. Scores blend growth, yield, demand and infrastructure signals against your strategy. Full methodology →

WeakModerateStrongStandoutExceptional

040607585+

Last updated May 2026Next refresh 3 June 2026Informational only — not financial advice

Compare Junction Village · Lower Macdonald · Wodonga side-by-side under $500kCompare picks

9,375 suburbs · 0 investors this month · 0 shortlists saved

Explore the full ranking

All ranked suburbs

Top 30 AU suburbs under $500k

Why am I seeing this? Ranked across every suburb that fits your filter — click any card for the full breakdown.

How is this calculated?

We score every suburb 0–100 against eight benchmarks a working buyer's agent watches: capital growth, rental yield, vacancy, listings trend, population growth, income growth, budget headroom, and the construction pipeline within reach.

The composite is a weighted average. The Top Picks above re-rank under a Growth-tilted, Yield-tilted, and Balanced scheme so each investor profile gets a single recommendation.

WeakModerateStrongStandoutExceptional

040607585+

Market mode

Base market Infrastructure-weighted ⭐

Mode effect ·Lower Macdonald moved from #6 #4 with infrastructure weighting.

Sort

$134.3B infrastructure pipeline influencing demand across key corridorsSee impact

Tier CC — ModerateScore 40–5928 suburbs

#1
Junction Village
12.4%/yr capital growth, listings tightening 6.0% YoY.
5y growth · 12.4%/yr
1.3% vacancy
51
Growth🟡 Near cap
Drivers
Capital growth12.4%/yr
Supply tightening-6.0% YoY
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Rental yield3.5%
Risks
At top of budget (96% of cap)
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Suburban Rail Loop East — Cheltenham27.5 kmConstruction · 2035
3977 · FrankstonCompare investment case
#2
Wodonga
listings tightening 8.0% YoY, incomes +22.0% (5y).
Growth + yield · 7.9% · 3.0%
1.2% vacancy
49
Balanced🟡 Near cap
Drivers
Supply tightening-8.0% YoY
Income growth+22.0% (5y)
Capital growth7.9%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Risks
At top of budget (97% of cap)
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·North East Link — Bulleen243.4 kmConstruction · 2028
3689 · DarebinCompare investment case
#3
Elizabeth
11.8%/yr capital growth, listings tightening 5.0% YoY.
5y growth · 11.8%/yr
1.3% vacancy
47
Growth🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth11.8%/yr
Supply tightening-5.0% YoY
Tight rentals1.3%
Population growth+6.5% (5y)
Risks
No major construction project in this state
5112 · PlayfordCompare investment case
#4
Lower Macdonald
8.3% gross yield, listings tightening 5.0% YoY.
Gross yield · 8.3%
1.3% vacancy
47
Yield🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Rental yield8.3%
Supply tightening-5.0% YoY
Tight rentals1.3%
Population growth+6.5% (5y)
Risks
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Sydney Metro West — Parramatta50.2 kmConstruction · 2030
2775 · The HillsCompare investment case
#5
Munno Para
11.2%/yr capital growth, listings tightening 5.0% YoY.
5y growth · 11.2%/yr
1.3% vacancy
46
Growth🟡 Near cap
Drivers
Capital growth11.2%/yr
Supply tightening-5.0% YoY
Tight rentals1.3%
Population growth+6.5% (5y)
Risks
At top of budget (99% of cap)
No major construction project in this state
5115 · PlayfordCompare investment case
#6
Morwell
11.9%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
5y growth · 11.9%/yr
11.9%/yr 5y growth
46
Growth🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth11.9%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Rental yield3.6%
Risks
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Suburban Rail Loop East — Glen Waverley116.0 kmConstruction · 2035
3840 · Latrobe (Vic.)Compare investment case
#7
Angus
8.1% gross yield, listings tightening 5.0% YoY.
Gross yield · 8.1%
1.3% vacancy
46
Yield🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Rental yield8.1%
Supply tightening-5.0% YoY
Tight rentals1.3%
Population growth+6.5% (5y)
Risks
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·M12 Motorway19.5 kmConstruction · 2026
2765 · PenrithCompare investment case
#8
Churchill
13.3%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
5y growth · 13.3%/yr
13.3%/yr 5y growth
45
Growth🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth13.3%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Rental yield3.5%
Risks
Only 4,924 residents — illiquid, slow to sell
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Suburban Rail Loop East — Glen Waverley120.0 kmConstruction · 2035
3842 · Latrobe (Vic.)Compare investment case
#9
Hamilton
11.4%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
5y growth · 11.4%/yr
11.4%/yr 5y growth
45
Growth🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth11.4%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Rental yield3.4%
Risks
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Melbourne Airport Rail — Sunshine Hub247.3 kmApproved · 2033
3300 · Southern GrampiansCompare investment case
#10
Stawell
10.8%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
5y growth · 10.8%/yr
10.8%/yr 5y growth
45
Growth🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth10.8%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Rental yield3.5%
Risks
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Melbourne Airport Rail — Sunshine Hub198.9 kmApproved · 2033
3380 · Northern GrampiansCompare investment case
#11
Bridgewater
8.4%/yr capital growth, listings tightening 4.0% YoY.
5y growth · 8.4%/yr
1.3% vacancy
44
Growth🟡 Near capNear pipeline
Drivers
Capital growth8.4%/yr
Supply tightening-4.0% YoY
Tight rentals1.3%
Risks
At top of budget (99% of cap)
Nearby construction ·New Bridgewater Bridge0.0 kmConstruction · 2025
7030 · BrightonCompare investment case
#12
Ararat
8.9%/yr capital growth, 3.9% gross yield.
Growth + yield · 8.9% · 3.9%
8.9%/yr 5y growth
44
Balanced🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth8.9%/yr
Rental yield3.9%
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Risks
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Melbourne Airport Rail — Sunshine Hub176.5 kmApproved · 2033
3377 · Northern GrampiansIn compare set
#13
Moe
10.1%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
5y growth · 10.1%/yr
10.1%/yr 5y growth
44
Growth🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth10.1%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Rental yield3.1%
Risks
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Suburban Rail Loop East — Glen Waverley101.9 kmConstruction · 2035
3825 · WellingtonIn compare set
#14
Mooroopna
9.8%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
5y growth · 9.8%/yr
9.8%/yr 5y growth
44
Growth🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth9.8%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Rental yield3.3%
Risks
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·North East Link — Bulleen156.2 kmConstruction · 2028
3629 · Greater SheppartonCompare investment case
#15
Red Cliffs
13.0%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
5y growth · 13.0%/yr
13.0%/yr 5y growth
44
Growth🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth13.0%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Rental yield3.1%
Risks
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Melbourne Airport Rail — Sunshine Hub454.0 kmApproved · 2033
3496 · MilduraCompare investment case
#16
Maryborough
8.2%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
Growth + yield · 8.2% · 3.6%
8.2%/yr 5y growth
42
Balanced🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth8.2%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Rental yield3.6%
Risks
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Melbourne Airport Rail — Sunshine Hub126.4 kmApproved · 2033
3465 · Mount AlexanderCompare investment case
#17
Shepparton
11.2%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
5y growth · 11.2%/yr
11.2%/yr 5y growth
42
Growth🟡 Near cap
Drivers
Capital growth11.2%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Risks
At top of budget (96% of cap)
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·North East Link — Bulleen156.9 kmConstruction · 2028
3630 · Greater SheppartonCompare investment case
#18
Tatura
10.5%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
5y growth · 10.5%/yr
10.5%/yr 5y growth
42
Growth🟡 Near cap
Drivers
Capital growth10.5%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Risks
Only 4,955 residents — illiquid, slow to sell
At top of budget (91% of cap)
Closest construction ·North East Link — Bulleen149.0 kmConstruction · 2028
3616 · Greater SheppartonCompare investment case
#19
Murray Bridge
9.2%/yr capital growth, population +6.5% (5y).
5y growth · 9.2%/yr
9.2%/yr 5y growth
41
Growth🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth9.2%/yr
Population growth+6.5% (5y)
Rental yield3.2%
Risks
No major construction project in this state
5253 · Murray BridgeCompare investment case
#20
Benalla
8.9%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
5y growth · 8.9%/yr
8.9%/yr 5y growth
41
Growth🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth8.9%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Risks
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·North East Link — Bulleen157.2 kmConstruction · 2028
3671 · Greater SheppartonCompare investment case
#21
Kyabram
13.0%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
5y growth · 13.0%/yr
13.0%/yr 5y growth
41
Growth🟡 Near cap
Drivers
Capital growth13.0%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Risks
At top of budget (97% of cap)
Thin gross yield (2.4%)
Closest construction ·North East Link — Bulleen162.0 kmConstruction · 2028
3619 · MorelandCompare investment case
#22
Maffra
14.3%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
5y growth · 14.3%/yr
14.3%/yr 5y growth
41
Growth🟡 Near cap
Drivers
Capital growth14.3%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Risks
At top of budget (100% of cap)
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Suburban Rail Loop East — Glen Waverley160.3 kmConstruction · 2035
3860 · WellingtonCompare investment case
#23
Newborough
8.6%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
5y growth · 8.6%/yr
8.6%/yr 5y growth
41
Growth🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth8.6%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Rental yield3.1%
Risks
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Suburban Rail Loop East — Glen Waverley104.6 kmConstruction · 2035
3825 · WellingtonCompare investment case
#24
Port Augusta
7.4%/yr capital growth, 3.4% gross yield.
Growth + yield · 7.4% · 3.4%
7.4%/yr 5y growth
40
Balanced🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth7.4%/yr
Rental yield3.4%
Population growth+6.5% (5y)
Risks
No major construction project in this state
5700 · Port AugustaCompare investment case
#25
Kerang
9.3%/yr capital growth, 3.9% gross yield.
Growth + yield · 9.3% · 3.9%
9.3%/yr 5y growth
40
Balanced🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth9.3%/yr
Rental yield3.9%
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Risks
Only 3,960 residents — illiquid, slow to sell
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Melbourne Airport Rail — Sunshine Hub241.3 kmApproved · 2033
3579 · Swan HillCompare investment case
#26
Melton South
listings tightening 6.0% YoY, population +7.8% (5y).
Growth + yield · 4.7% · 3.2%
1.4% vacancy
40
Balanced🟡 Near cap
Drivers
Supply tightening-6.0% YoY
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Tight rentals1.4%
Income growth+16.0% (5y)
Risks
At top of budget (98% of cap)
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Melbourne Airport Rail — Sunshine Hub24.6 kmApproved · 2033
3338 · WyndhamCompare investment case
#27
Portland
8.0%/yr capital growth, population +7.8% (5y).
Growth + yield · 8.0% · 3.3%
8.0%/yr 5y growth
40
Balanced🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth8.0%/yr
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Rental yield3.3%
Risks
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Melbourne Airport Rail — Sunshine Hub289.6 kmApproved · 2033
3305 · GlenelgCompare investment case
#28
Travancore
5.2% gross yield, listings tightening 7.0% YoY.
Gross yield · 5.2%
1.3% vacancy
40
Yield🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Rental yield5.2%
Supply tightening-7.0% YoY
Income growth+21.0% (5y)
Population growth+7.8% (5y)
Risks
Modest 5y growth (-3.9%/yr)
No major construction project in this state
Closest construction ·Metro Tunnel — Parkville Station2.2 kmRecently completed · 2025
3032 · MaribyrnongCompare investment case

Tier DD — Below trendScore <402 suburbs

#29
Kalgoorlie
population +12.6% (5y), 3.9% gross yield.
Growth + yield · 7.2% · 3.9%
+12.6% population (5y)
39
Balanced🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Population growth+12.6% (5y)
Rental yield3.9%
Capital growth7.2%/yr
Income growth+15.0% (5y)
Risks
Only 3,711 residents — illiquid, slow to sell
No major construction project in this state
6430 · Kalgoorlie-BoulderCompare investment case
#30
Mount Gambier
8.2%/yr capital growth, population +6.5% (5y).
5y growth · 8.2%/yr
8.2%/yr 5y growth
39
Growth🟢 Under budget
Drivers
Capital growth8.2%/yr
Population growth+6.5% (5y)
Risks
No major construction project in this state
5290 · Mount GambierCompare investment case

Decision driver · 8 projects tracked

How infrastructure changes your results

Infrastructure is the largest medium-term driver of suburb-level house prices in Australia. Every project below is mapped to a location, value, and stage — and counted against any suburb inside its impact radius.

Live ranking effect

Lower Macdonald moved from #6 → #4 once we doubled the weight on the construction pipeline.

What this means for prices

Expect demand uplift over the next 3–5 years as rail and connectivity projects open up new commuter catchments.

Pipeline value

$134.3bn

Construction

Approved

Planned

Top 3 by value

metro
Sydney Metro West — Parramatta
$25.0bn
Construction · 2030
metro
Sydney Metro West — Olympic Park
$25.0bn
Construction · 2030
road
WestConnex M4–M5 Link
$16.8bn
Recently completed · 2024

See full national infrastructure list (8)

Compare 2/3MoeArarat

Compare investment cases

Tell us how you’d invest. We’ll do the ranking.

Your recommended picks

Top 30 AU suburbs under $500k

Tier CC — Moderate·Score 40–59·28 suburbs

Tier DD — Below trend·Score <40·2 suburbs

Sydney Metro West — Parramatta

Sydney Metro West — Olympic Park

WestConnex M4–M5 Link

Tier CC — ModerateScore 40–5928 suburbs

Tier DD — Below trendScore <402 suburbs