Redfern vs Waterloo
The verdict
Waterloo is more affordable, with a median house price of $1.78M versus $2.35M in Redfern. Redfern rates higher for transport (98 vs 88). Redfern has a shorter estimated CBD commute (12 vs 21 min). On the separate residential safety score, Waterloo rates higher (10 vs 5/100 in Redfern).
Scores
| Redfern | Waterloo | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 97 | 93 |
| Transport | 98 | 88 |
| Education | 91 | 90 |
| Liveability | 100 | 100 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Redfern | Waterloo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 13,072 | 16,379 |
| Median age | 36 | 33 |
| Median household income (wk) | $2,145 | $2,028 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 64.0% | 61.3% |
| Born in Australia | 52.0% | 37.2% |
| Avg household size | 1.9 | 1.8 |
Growth: Redfern Moderate Growth · Waterloo High Growth
Property
| Redfern | Waterloo | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $2.35M | $1.78M |
| Median unit price | $1.18M | $925K |
| House price YoY | 21.0% | Data not available |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $894 | $1,250 |
| Rental yield (house) | 2.0% | Data not available |
| Days on market (house) | 42 | 54 |
Median price history
Safety
| Redfern | Waterloo | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 5 | 10 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 581 | 635 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 367 | 177 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 566 | 769 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 15,705 | 12,284 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Redfern | Waterloo | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 2 | 2 |
| Government | 0 | 1 |
| Independent | 2 | 0 |
| Average ICSEA | 788 | 914 |
See the full school list on each profile: Redfern · Waterloo
Transport
| Redfern | Waterloo | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 98 | 88 |
| Train stations | 1 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 28 | 31 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 12 | 21 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 750 m | 820 m |
Liveability
| Redfern | Waterloo | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 25.9°C | 25.9°C |
| Winter max temp | 17.0°C | 17.0°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 1,213 | 1,213 |
| Supermarkets | 7 | 9 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 62 | 69 |
| Parks | 19 | 23 |
| Playgrounds | 9 | 6 |
| Swimming pools | 3 | 4 |
| Medical GPs | 3 | 3 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 5.6 km | 5.3 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 2.2 km | 3.0 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | 5.6 km | 5.2 km |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 2.0 km | 2.5 km |
Population & growth
| Redfern | Waterloo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 13,072 | 16,379 |
| Estimated 2025 | 14,848 | 18,366 |
| Projected 2041 | 16,056 | 24,215 |
| Annual growth rate | 3.24% | 2.90% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Redfern or Waterloo?
Waterloo has the higher residential safety score (Redfern 5/100 vs Waterloo 10/100).
Which is more affordable, Redfern or Waterloo?
Waterloo is more affordable, with a median house price of $1.78M versus $2.35M.
Which has better schools, Redfern or Waterloo?
Waterloo has a higher average school ICSEA (Redfern 788 vs Waterloo 914; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Redfern or Waterloo?
Redfern has the higher transport score (Redfern 98/100 vs Waterloo 88/100).
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