Blair Athol vs Katoomba
The verdict
Katoomba is more affordable, with a median house price of $908K versus $1.17M in Blair Athol. Katoomba rates higher for transport (87 vs 75). Blair Athol is closer to the coast (25.5 km vs 81.3 km). On the separate residential safety score, Blair Athol rates higher (100 vs 74/100 in Katoomba).
Scores
| Blair Athol | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 74 | 82 |
| Transport | 75 | 87 |
| Education | 62 | 71 |
| Liveability | 84 | 85 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Blair Athol | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,725 | 8,268 |
| Median age | 37 | 48 |
| Median household income (wk) | $2,389 | $1,171 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 45.9% | 45.9% |
| Born in Australia | 50.3% | 73.3% |
| Avg household size | 3.4 | 2.1 |
Growth: Blair Athol Moderate Growth · Katoomba Stable
Property
| Blair Athol | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $1.17M | $908K |
| Median unit price | Data not available | $720K |
| House price YoY | Data not available | 7.9% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $620 | $605 |
| Rental yield (house) | 2.8% | 3.4% |
| Days on market (house) | 49 | 45 |
Median price history
Safety
| Blair Athol | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 100 | 74 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 37 | 109 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 73 | 60 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 294 | 472 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 2,092 | 8,781 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Blair Athol | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 0 | 4 |
| Government | 0 | 3 |
| Independent | 0 | 0 |
| Average ICSEA | Data not available | 1,019 |
See the full school list on each profile: Blair Athol · Katoomba
Transport
| Blair Athol | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 75 | 87 |
| Train stations | 0 | 2 |
| Bus stops | 13 | 116 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 117 | 149 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 1.2 km | 1.2 km |
Liveability
| Blair Athol | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 29.5°C | 21.5°C |
| Winter max temp | 17.3°C | 9.8°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 780 | 1,400 |
| Supermarkets | 1 | 5 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 0 | 55 |
| Parks | 1 | 12 |
| Playgrounds | Data not available | 19 |
| Swimming pools | Data not available | 16 |
| Medical GPs | 0 | 6 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 25.5 km | 81.3 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 42.9 km | 85.8 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 1.8 km | 2.0 km |
Population & growth
| Blair Athol | Katoomba | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 2,725 | 8,268 |
| Estimated 2025 | 3,058 | 8,387 |
| Projected 2041 | 3,211 | 8,542 |
| Annual growth rate | 2.92% | 0.36% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Blair Athol or Katoomba?
Blair Athol has the higher residential safety score (Blair Athol 100/100 vs Katoomba 74/100).
Which is more affordable, Blair Athol or Katoomba?
Katoomba is more affordable, with a median house price of $908K versus $1.17M.
Which has better public transport, Blair Athol or Katoomba?
Katoomba has the higher transport score (Blair Athol 75/100 vs Katoomba 87/100).
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