Overall score
Cockatoo
50.3/100
Emerald
56.1/100
Cockatoo for investment; Emerald for retirees and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Cockatoo
50.3/100
Emerald
56.1/100
Crime rate
Cockatoo
44.3 / 1k
Emerald
38.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Cockatoo
6
Emerald
79
Population
Cockatoo
4,408
Emerald
5,890
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Cockatoo | Emerald |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 50.3/100 | 56.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 72.6/100 | 66.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 44.3 / 1k | 38.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 4 | 7 |
| Public transport stops | 17 | 26 |
| Walkability | 25.5/100 | 38.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 6 | 79 |
| Planning activity | 108 | 145 |
| Population | 4,408 | 5,890 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 8/10 |
Put side by side, Cockatoo is a practical metro mid-sized suburb with solid links to the wider city, and Emerald is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Cockatoo sits further out with more breathing room, whereas Emerald is in a middle-ring position.
On the data, Cockatoo is stronger for housing affordability and schools and education options; Emerald answers with a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves.
Choose Cockatoo if you are weighing investors; lean toward Emerald for retirees and households prioritising schools.