Overall score
Hamilton North
37.1/100
Waratah West
38.4/100
Hamilton North for retirees and families; Waratah West for value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Hamilton North
37.1/100
Waratah West
38.4/100
Crime rate
Hamilton North
306.8 / 1k
Waratah West
158.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Hamilton North
30
Waratah West
50
Population
Hamilton North
934
Waratah West
3,142
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 | Hamilton North | Waratah West |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 37.1/100 | 38.4/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 31.1/100 | 46.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 306.8 / 1k | 158.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 16 | 14 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 19 | 48 |
| Walkability | 30.5/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 30 | 50 |
| Planning activity | 9 | 9 |
| Population | 934 | 3,142 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 5/10 |
Hamilton North is a practical metro smaller community with solid links to the wider city, while Waratah West is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Hamilton North sits further out with more breathing room, whereas Waratah West is in a middle-ring position.
On the data, Hamilton North is stronger for walkability and a calmer planning outlook; Waratah West answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Choose Hamilton North if you are weighing retirees and families; lean toward Waratah West for value-focused buyers and households prioritising schools.