Overall score
Castle Cove
53.3/100
Willoughby
56.5/100
Castle Cove vs Willoughby, NSW suburb comparison
Castle Cove for investment and schools; Willoughby for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Castle CoveWilloughby
Crime rate
Castle Cove
16.7 / 1k
Willoughby
13.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Castle Cove
65
Willoughby
133
Population
Castle Cove
2,643
Willoughby
7,124
Metric leadCastle Cove 3Willoughby 71 tiedacross 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesWilloughby
- Best for investmentCastle Cove
- Best for best schoolsCastle Cove
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 | Castle Cove | Willoughby |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 53.3/100 | 56.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 20.7/100 | 16.9/100 |
| Crime rate | 16.7 / 1k | 13.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 13 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 52 | 57 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 44.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 65 | 133 |
| Planning activity | 7 | 22 |
| Population | 2,643 | 7,124 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Castle Cove is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Willoughby is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby.
On the data, Castle Cove is stronger for housing affordability and parks and reserves; Willoughby answers with a quieter safety profile and public transport access.
Castle Cove suits investors and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Willoughby is the stronger match for retirees.