Overall score
Harrison
61.7/100
Palmerston
46.0/100
Harrison vs Palmerston, ACT suburb comparison
Harrison for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
HarrisonPalmerston
Crime rate
Harrison
10.6 / 1k
Palmerston
18.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Harrison
150
Palmerston
53
Population
Harrison
8,244
Palmerston
5,579
Metric leadHarrison 7Palmerston 02 tiedacross 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Harrison | Palmerston |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 61.7/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 10.6 / 1k | 18.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | — |
| Walkability | 59.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 150 | 53 |
| Planning activity | 1 | 1 |
| Population | 8,244 | 5,579 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Harrison is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap, and Palmerston is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by.
Harrison tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and schools and education options, while Palmerston stands out for a calmer planning outlook.
Retirees and families may find Harrison the better fit, while investors are more likely to prefer Palmerston.