Overall score
Castlereagh
39.9/100
Penrith
69.0/100
Castlereagh vs Penrith, NSW suburb comparison
Castlereagh for retirees and investment; Penrith for families and value.
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
15
Penrith
1,109
Population
Castlereagh
1,248
Penrith
17,966
Metric leadCastlereagh 4Penrith 7across 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 retireesCastlereagh
- Best for familiesPenrith
- Best for investmentCastlereagh
- Best for best valuePenrith
- 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 | 39.9/100 | 69.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 40.2/100 | 25.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 52.4 / 1k | 154.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 23 |
| Public transport stops | 25 | 280 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 15 | 1,109 |
| Planning activity | 12 | 60 |
| Population | 1,248 | 17,966 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 8/10 | 3/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Castlereagh is a well-connected metro smaller community with a familiar suburban feel, 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 and a quieter safety profile; Penrith answers with schools and education options and parks and reserves. Castlereagh generally means more sought-after housing, while Penrith leans toward more approachable housing costs.
Retirees and investors may find Castlereagh the better fit, while families and value-focused buyers are more likely to prefer Penrith.