Balmain vs Birchgrove
The verdict
Balmain is more affordable, with a median house price of $3.05M versus $3.06M in Birchgrove. Balmain has a shorter estimated CBD commute (21 vs 22 min). On the separate residential safety score, Birchgrove rates higher (90 vs 67/100 in Balmain).
Scores
| Balmain | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 91 | 90 |
| Transport | 81 | 78 |
| Education | 92 | 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 | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,454 | 3,228 |
| Median age | 42 | 46 |
| Median household income (wk) | $3,039 | $3,603 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 70.0% | 75.6% |
| Born in Australia | 64.8% | 69.0% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.4 |
Growth: Balmain Stable · Birchgrove Stable
Property
| Balmain | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $3.05M | $3.06M |
| Median unit price | $1.44M | $1.52M |
| House price YoY | 12.9% | -36.5% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| Rental yield (house) | 2.4% | 2.5% |
| Days on market (house) | 39 | 33 |
Median price history
Safety
| Balmain | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 67 | 90 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 115 | 93 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 105 | 248 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 402 | 124 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 7,614 | 2,726 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Balmain | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 3 | 1 |
| Government | 1 | 1 |
| Independent | 1 | 0 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,172 | 1,131 |
See the full school list on each profile: Balmain · Birchgrove
Transport
| Balmain | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 81 | 78 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 26 | 6 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 21 | 22 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 2.5 km | 2.1 km |
Liveability
| Balmain | 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 | 2 | 0 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 22 | 1 |
| Parks | 28 | 14 |
| Playgrounds | 8 | 6 |
| Swimming pools | 26 | 13 |
| Medical GPs | 2 | 0 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 9.5 km | 9.3 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 3.0 km | 3.3 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | 8.1 km | 7.6 km |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 3.2 km | 3.4 km |
Population & growth
| Balmain | Birchgrove | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 10,454 | 3,228 |
| Estimated 2025 | 10,782 | 3,329 |
| Projected 2041 | 10,546 | 3,256 |
| Annual growth rate | 0.78% | 0.77% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Balmain or Birchgrove?
Birchgrove has the higher residential safety score (Balmain 67/100 vs Birchgrove 90/100).
Which is more affordable, Balmain or Birchgrove?
Balmain is more affordable, with a median house price of $3.05M versus $3.06M.
Which has better schools, Balmain or Birchgrove?
Balmain has a higher average school ICSEA (Balmain 1172 vs Birchgrove 1131; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Balmain or Birchgrove?
Balmain has the higher transport score (Balmain 81/100 vs Birchgrove 78/100).
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