Blackheath vs Katoomba
The verdict
Katoomba is more affordable, with a median house price of $908K versus $935K in Blackheath. Katoomba rates higher for liveability (85 vs 59). Katoomba has a shorter estimated CBD commute (149 vs 155 min). On the separate residential safety score, Blackheath rates higher (80 vs 74/100 in Katoomba).
Scores
| Blackheath | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 72 | 82 |
| Transport | 86 | 87 |
| Education | 71 | 71 |
| Liveability | 59 | 85 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Blackheath | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,672 | 8,268 |
| Median age | 53 | 48 |
| Median household income (wk) | $1,332 | $1,171 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 49.3% | 45.9% |
| Born in Australia | 72.3% | 73.3% |
| Avg household size | 2 | 2.1 |
Growth: Blackheath Stable · Katoomba Stable
Property
| Blackheath | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $935K | $908K |
| Median unit price | $785K | $720K |
| House price YoY | 17.9% | 7.9% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $580 | $605 |
| Rental yield (house) | 3.1% | 3.4% |
| Days on market (house) | 47 | 45 |
Median price history
Safety
| Blackheath | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 80 | 74 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 128 | 109 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 86 | 60 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 300 | 472 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 2,954 | 8,781 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Blackheath | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 2 | 4 |
| Government | 1 | 3 |
| Independent | 1 | 0 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,045 | 1,019 |
See the full school list on each profile: Blackheath · Katoomba
Transport
| Blackheath | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 86 | 87 |
| Train stations | 2 | 2 |
| Bus stops | 75 | 116 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 155 | 149 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 820 m | 1.2 km |
Liveability
| Blackheath | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 21.5°C | 21.5°C |
| Winter max temp | 9.8°C | 9.8°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 1,400 | 1,400 |
| Supermarkets | 2 | 5 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 19 | 55 |
| Parks | 9 | 12 |
| Playgrounds | 7 | 19 |
| Swimming pools | 8 | 16 |
| Medical GPs | 0 | 6 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 81.7 km | 81.3 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 89.7 km | 85.8 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 8.4 km | 2.0 km |
Population & growth
| Blackheath | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 4,672 | 8,268 |
| Estimated 2025 | 4,762 | 8,387 |
| Projected 2041 | 4,768 | 8,542 |
| Annual growth rate | 0.48% | 0.36% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Blackheath or Katoomba?
Blackheath has the higher residential safety score (Blackheath 80/100 vs Katoomba 74/100).
Which is more affordable, Blackheath or Katoomba?
Katoomba is more affordable, with a median house price of $908K versus $935K.
Which has better schools, Blackheath or Katoomba?
Blackheath has a higher average school ICSEA (Blackheath 1045 vs Katoomba 1019; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Blackheath or Katoomba?
Katoomba has the higher transport score (Blackheath 86/100 vs Katoomba 87/100).
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