Balmain East vs Birchgrove
The verdict
Birchgrove is more affordable, with a median house price of $3.25M versus $5.13M in Balmain East. Balmain East rates higher for transport (86 vs 78). Balmain East is closer to the coast (8.3 km vs 9.3 km). On the separate residential safety score, Birchgrove rates higher (90 vs 53/100 in Balmain East).
Scores
| Balmain East | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 93 | 90 |
| Transport | 86 | 78 |
| Education | 93 | 93 |
| Liveability | 100 | 100 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Balmain East | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,900 | 3,228 |
| Median age | 46 | 46 |
| Median household income (wk) | $3,020 | $3,603 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 71.1% | 75.6% |
| Born in Australia | 66.8% | 69.0% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.4 |
Growth: Balmain East Stable · Birchgrove Stable
Property
| Balmain East | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $5.13M | $3.25M |
| Median unit price | $1.63M | $1.68M |
| House price YoY | Data not available | 0.6% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Rental yield (house) | Data not available | 1.9% |
| Days on market (house) | 84 | 67 |
Median price history
Safety
| Balmain East | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 53 | 90 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 263 | 93 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 53 | 248 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 474 | 124 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 4,368 | 2,478 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Balmain East | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 1 | 1 |
| Government | 1 | 1 |
| Independent | 0 | 0 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,151 | 1,132 |
See the full school list on each profile: Balmain East · Birchgrove
Transport
| Balmain East | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 86 | 78 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 7 | 6 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 19 | 22 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 1.6 km | 2.1 km |
Liveability
| Balmain East | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 25.9°C | 25.9°C |
| Winter max temp | 17.0°C | 17.0°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 1,213 | 1,213 |
| Supermarkets | 1 | 0 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 0 | 1 |
| Parks | 11 | 14 |
| Playgrounds | 2 | 6 |
| Swimming pools | 25 | 13 |
| Medical GPs | 0 | 0 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 8.3 km | 9.3 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 2.3 km | 3.3 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | 6.8 km | 7.6 km |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 2.2 km | 3.4 km |
Population & growth
| Balmain East | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 1,900 | 3,228 |
| Estimated 2025 | 1,960 | 3,329 |
| Projected 2041 | 1,917 | 3,256 |
| Annual growth rate | 0.78% | 0.77% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Balmain East or Birchgrove?
Birchgrove has the higher residential safety score (Balmain East 53/100 vs Birchgrove 90/100).
Which is more affordable, Balmain East or Birchgrove?
Birchgrove is more affordable, with a median house price of $3.25M versus $5.13M.
Which has better schools, Balmain East or Birchgrove?
Balmain East has a higher average school ICSEA (Balmain East 1151 vs Birchgrove 1132; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Balmain East or Birchgrove?
Balmain East has the higher transport score (Balmain East 86/100 vs Birchgrove 78/100).
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