Overall score
Heathcote
60.5/100
Waterfall
37.7/100
Heathcote vs Waterfall, NSW suburb comparison
Heathcote for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
HeathcoteWaterfall
Crime rate
Heathcote
21.9 / 1k
Waterfall
22.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Heathcote
93
Waterfall
11
Population
Heathcote
6,148
Waterfall
522
Metric leadHeathcote 9Waterfall 11 tiedacross 11 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 | Heathcote | Waterfall |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 60.5/100 | 37.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 56.5/100 | 56.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 21.9 / 1k | 22.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 9 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 108 | 11 |
| Walkability | 61.0/100 | 16.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 93 | 11 |
| Planning activity | 21 | 12 |
| Population | 6,148 | 522 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Heathcote is a hillside mid-sized suburb with greener streets and a quieter pace, and Waterfall is a hills smaller community where tree cover and calm define the mood.
Heathcote tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and schools and education options, while Waterfall stands out for a calmer planning outlook.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Heathcote, while Waterfall remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.