Overall score
Castlereagh
42.3/100
Penrith
53.9/100
Castlereagh vs Penrith, NSW Suburb Comparison
Castlereagh for investment and value; Penrith for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
CastlereaghPenrith
Crime rate
Castlereagh
52.4 / 1k
Penrith
154.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Castlereagh
17
Penrith
1,122
Population
Castlereagh
1,248
Penrith
17,966
Metric leadCastlereagh 3Penrith 91 tiedacross 13 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesPenrith
- Best for familiesPenrith
- Best for investmentCastlereagh
- Best for best valueCastlereagh
- Best for best schoolsPenrith
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 | Castlereagh | Penrith |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 42.3/100 | 53.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 18.3/100 | 53.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 52.4 / 1k | 154.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 5 |
| Weather (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 82.3/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 23 |
| Public transport stops | 25 | 280 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 17 | 1,122 |
| Planning activity | 15 | 71 |
| Green cover | 6.4% | 11.1% |
| Population | 1,248 | 17,966 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 3/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Castlereagh is a sought-after metro smaller community where housing reflects strong local demand, and Penrith is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby. Castlereagh sits further out with more breathing room, whereas Penrith is in a middle-ring position.
On the data, Castlereagh is stronger for housing affordability, a quieter safety profile, and a calmer planning outlook; Penrith answers with schools and education options, parks and reserves, and public transport access.
Retirees and investors may find Castlereagh the better fit, while families, value-focused buyers, and households prioritising schools are more likely to prefer Penrith.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.