Northcote vs Preston
The verdict
Preston is more affordable, with a median house price of $1.21M versus $1.65M in Northcote. Northcote rates higher for education (90 vs 84). Northcote is closer to the coast (9.6 km vs 12.8 km). On the separate residential safety score, Northcote rates higher (61 vs 29/100 in Preston).
Scores
| Northcote | Preston | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 96 | 95 |
| Transport | 100 | 100 |
| Education | 90 | 84 |
| Liveability | 98 | 98 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Northcote | Preston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 25,276 | 33,790 |
| Median age | 37 | 37 |
| Median household income (wk) | $2,287 | $1,844 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 72.5% | 58.6% |
| Born in Australia | 72.3% | 63.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.4 |
Growth: Northcote High Growth · Preston High Growth
Property
| Northcote | Preston | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $1.65M | $1.21M |
| Median unit price | $609K | $585K |
| House price YoY | 3.7% | 8.9% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Rental yield (house) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Days on market (house) | Data not available | Data not available |
Median price history
Safety
| Northcote | Preston | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 61 | 29 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 471 | 1,000 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 629 | 917 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 131 | 275 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 6,271 | 15,750 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Northcote | Preston | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 6 | 16 |
| Government | 4 | 10 |
| Independent | 0 | 3 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,123 | 1,079 |
See the full school list on each profile: Northcote · Preston
Transport
| Northcote | Preston | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 100 | 100 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 74 | 164 |
| Light rail stops | 29 | 40 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 19 | 26 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 200 m | 130 m |
Liveability
| Northcote | Preston | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 25.8°C | 25.8°C |
| Winter max temp | 14.2°C | 14.2°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 600 | 600 |
| Supermarkets | 5 | 13 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 68 | 107 |
| Parks | 24 | 32 |
| Playgrounds | 16 | 22 |
| Swimming pools | 7 | 41 |
| Medical GPs | 10 | 5 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 9.6 km | 12.8 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 5.6 km | 8.9 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | 9.6 km | Data not available |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 4.5 km | 4.8 km |
Population & growth
| Northcote | Preston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 25,276 | 33,790 |
| Estimated 2025 | 26,504 | 37,662 |
| Projected 2041 | 34,095 | 45,580 |
| Annual growth rate | 1.19% | 2.75% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Northcote or Preston?
Northcote has the higher residential safety score (Northcote 61/100 vs Preston 29/100).
Which is more affordable, Northcote or Preston?
Preston is more affordable, with a median house price of $1.21M versus $1.65M.
Which has better schools, Northcote or Preston?
Northcote has a higher average school ICSEA (Northcote 1123 vs Preston 1079; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Northcote or Preston?
Northcote and Preston have similar transport scores.
Try another comparison
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