Merrylands vs Port Macquarie
The verdict
Port Macquarie is more affordable, with a median house price of $890K versus $1.41M in Merrylands. Merrylands rates higher for transport (96 vs 74). Port Macquarie rates higher for liveability (100 vs 93). Port Macquarie is closer to the coast (3.4 km vs 20.8 km). On the separate residential safety score, Merrylands rates higher (55 vs 44/100 in Port Macquarie).
Scores
| Merrylands | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 84 | 76 |
| Transport | 96 | 74 |
| Education | 61 | 51 |
| Liveability | 93 | 100 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Merrylands | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,472 | 47,693 |
| Median age | 33 | 48 |
| Median household income (wk) | $1,470 | $1,282 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 39.6% | 31.3% |
| Born in Australia | 40.9% | 80.9% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.2 |
Growth: Merrylands High Growth · Port Macquarie Stable
Property
| Merrylands | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $1.41M | $890K |
| Median unit price | $523K | $594K |
| House price YoY | 4.5% | 2.3% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $740 | $680 |
| Rental yield (house) | 2.7% | 4.0% |
| Days on market (house) | 34 | 31 |
Median price history
Safety
| Merrylands | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 55 | 44 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 209 | 298 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 129 | 182 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 502 | 625 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 9,719 | 9,396 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Merrylands | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 6 | 20 |
| Government | 5 | 7 |
| Independent | 0 | 8 |
| Average ICSEA | 962 | 1,005 |
See the full school list on each profile: Merrylands · Port Macquarie
Transport
| Merrylands | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 96 | 74 |
| Train stations | 1 | 1 |
| Bus stops | 156 | 0 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 49 | Data not available |
| Nearest train station (km) | 570 m | 2.7 km |
Liveability
| Merrylands | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 29.0°C | 27.0°C |
| Winter max temp | 18.0°C | 19.0°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 950 | 1,500 |
| Supermarkets | 3 | 10 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 8 | 91 |
| Parks | 39 | 51 |
| Playgrounds | 27 | 24 |
| Swimming pools | 3 | 29 |
| Medical GPs | 4 | 14 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 20.8 km | 3.4 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 20.8 km | 311.8 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | Data not available | 3.4 km |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 1.6 km | 1.4 km |
Population & growth
| Merrylands | Port Macquarie | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 32,472 | 47,693 |
| Estimated 2025 | 36,508 | 48,371 |
| Projected 2041 | 46,077 | 50,813 |
| Annual growth rate | 2.97% | 0.35% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Merrylands or Port Macquarie?
Merrylands has the higher residential safety score (Merrylands 55/100 vs Port Macquarie 44/100).
Which is more affordable, Merrylands or Port Macquarie?
Port Macquarie is more affordable, with a median house price of $890K versus $1.41M.
Which has better schools, Merrylands or Port Macquarie?
Port Macquarie has a higher average school ICSEA (Merrylands 962 vs Port Macquarie 1005; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Merrylands or Port Macquarie?
Merrylands has the higher transport score (Merrylands 96/100 vs Port Macquarie 74/100).
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