North Rocks vs Northmead
The verdict
Northmead is more affordable, with a median house price of $1.75M versus $1.92M in North Rocks. North Rocks rates higher for education (82 vs 75). Northmead rates higher for liveability (94 vs 84). North Rocks has a shorter estimated CBD commute (74 vs 78 min). On the separate residential safety score, North Rocks rates higher (95 vs 59/100 in Northmead).
Scores
| North Rocks | Northmead | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 75 | 77 |
| Transport | 61 | 62 |
| Education | 82 | 75 |
| Liveability | 84 | 94 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| North Rocks | Northmead | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,136 | 11,261 |
| Median age | 40 | 39 |
| Median household income (wk) | $2,354 | $1,924 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 57.7% | 51.1% |
| Born in Australia | 56.1% | 61.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.9 | 2.5 |
Growth: North Rocks Stable · Northmead Moderate Growth
Property
| North Rocks | Northmead | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $1.92M | $1.75M |
| Median unit price | $675K | $633K |
| House price YoY | 2.2% | 13.6% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $785 | $700 |
| Rental yield (house) | 2.2% | 2.0% |
| Days on market (house) | 42 | 37 |
Median price history
Safety
| North Rocks | Northmead | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 95 | 59 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 164 | 275 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 33 | 169 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 197 | 249 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 2,835 | 3,703 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| North Rocks | Northmead | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 5 | 3 |
| Government | 2 | 3 |
| Independent | 2 | 0 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,051 | 1,060 |
See the full school list on each profile: North Rocks · Northmead
Transport
| North Rocks | Northmead | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 61 | 62 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 75 | 41 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 74 | 78 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 4.8 km | 2.4 km |
Liveability
| North Rocks | Northmead | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 29.0°C | 29.0°C |
| Winter max temp | 18.0°C | 18.0°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 950 | 950 |
| Supermarkets | 3 | 1 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 10 | 3 |
| Parks | 12 | 10 |
| Playgrounds | 4 | 7 |
| Swimming pools | Data not available | 1 |
| Medical GPs | 0 | 1 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 24.0 km | 24.1 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 20.8 km | 21.9 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 4.0 km | 1.6 km |
Population & growth
| North Rocks | Northmead | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 9,136 | 11,261 |
| Estimated 2025 | 9,454 | 12,017 |
| Projected 2041 | 9,817 | 13,066 |
| Annual growth rate | 0.86% | 1.64% |
Common questions
Which is safer, North Rocks or Northmead?
North Rocks has the higher residential safety score (North Rocks 95/100 vs Northmead 59/100).
Which is more affordable, North Rocks or Northmead?
Northmead is more affordable, with a median house price of $1.75M versus $1.92M.
Which has better schools, North Rocks or Northmead?
Northmead has a higher average school ICSEA (North Rocks 1051 vs Northmead 1060; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, North Rocks or Northmead?
Northmead has the higher transport score (North Rocks 61/100 vs Northmead 62/100).
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