Overall score
Balmain
68.1/100
Birchgrove
46.0/100
Balmain vs Birchgrove, NSW suburb comparison
Balmain for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
BalmainBirchgrove
Crime rate
Balmain
60.4 / 1k
Birchgrove
60.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Balmain
274
Birchgrove
88
Population
Balmain
10,454
Birchgrove
3,228
Metric leadBalmain 7Birchgrove 13 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Balmain | Birchgrove |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.1/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 8.6/100 | 7.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 60.4 / 1k | 60.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 13 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 51 | 11 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 24.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 274 | 88 |
| Planning activity | 98 | 22 |
| Population | 10,454 | 3,228 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Balmain is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Birchgrove is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
On the data, Balmain is stronger for housing affordability and parks and reserves; Birchgrove answers with a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, families and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Balmain, while Birchgrove remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.