Overall score
Erskineville
59.5/100
Waterloo
62.8/100
Erskineville vs Waterloo, NSW suburb comparison
Erskineville for retirees and families; Waterloo for schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ErskinevilleWaterloo
Crime rate
Erskineville
43.1 / 1k
Waterloo
89.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Erskineville
178
Waterloo
538
Population
Erskineville
9,657
Waterloo
16,379
Metric leadErskineville 2Waterloo 63 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 retireesErskineville
- Best for familiesErskineville
- Best for best valueErskineville
- Best for best schoolsWaterloo
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 | Erskineville | Waterloo |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 59.5/100 | 62.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 18.4/100 | 6.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 43.1 / 1k | 89.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 19 | 19 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 20 |
| Public transport stops | 38 | 75 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 178 | 538 |
| Planning activity | 37 | 34 |
| Population | 9,657 | 16,379 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Erskineville is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Waterloo is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Erskineville tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Waterloo stands out for parks and reserves and public transport access.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Erskineville, while Waterloo remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.