Overall score
Harwood
30.6/100
James Creek
34.5/100
Harwood vs James Creek, NSW suburb comparison
Harwood for schools; James Creek for retirees and investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
HarwoodJames Creek
Crime rate
Harwood
62.7 / 1k
James Creek
51.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Harwood
4
James Creek
0
Population
Harwood
346
James Creek
257
Metric leadHarwood 5James Creek 4across 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesJames Creek
- Best for investmentJames Creek
- Best for best valueJames Creek
- Best for best schoolsHarwood
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 | Harwood | James Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 30.6/100 | 34.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 54.4/100 | 82.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 62.7 / 1k | 51.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | — |
| Public transport stops | 21 | 2 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 3.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 4 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 3 | 11 |
| Population | 346 | 257 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
Harwood reads as a slower-paced smaller community with open surrounds; James Creek is a more rural smaller community that rewards people who want room to breathe.
On the data, Harwood is stronger for public transport access and walkability; James Creek answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. On housing, Harwood sits in a affordable band, compared with a expensive feel in James Creek.
Harwood suits households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas James Creek is the stronger match for retirees and investors.