Overall score
Chatswood
66.4/100
Middle Cove
52.8/100
Chatswood vs Middle Cove, NSW suburb comparison
Chatswood for schools; Middle Cove for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ChatswoodMiddle Cove
Crime rate
Chatswood
105.4 / 1k
Middle Cove
13.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Chatswood
1,342
Middle Cove
48
Population
Chatswood
25,553
Middle Cove
1,327
Metric leadChatswood 7Middle Cove 31 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 retireesMiddle Cove
- Best for familiesMiddle Cove
- Best for best schoolsChatswood
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 | Chatswood | Middle Cove |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 66.4/100 | 52.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 7.3/100 | 19.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 105.4 / 1k | 13.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 13 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 19 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 212 | 32 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 34.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1,342 | 48 |
| Planning activity | 70 | 8 |
| Population | 25,553 | 1,327 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Chatswood is an energetic metro larger suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Middle Cove is a lively metro smaller community with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Chatswood tends to lead on schools and education options and parks and reserves, while Middle Cove stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Households prioritising schools may find Chatswood the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Middle Cove.