Overall score
Hornsby
64.1/100
Mount Colah
63.6/100
Hornsby vs Mount Colah, NSW Suburb Comparison
Hornsby for investment; Mount Colah for families and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
HornsbyMount Colah
Crime rate
Hornsby
66.0 / 1k
Mount Colah
11.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Hornsby
917
Mount Colah
105
Population
Hornsby
22,462
Mount Colah
7,816
Metric leadHornsby 8Mount Colah 41 tiedacross 13 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for familiesMount Colah
- Best for investmentHornsby
- Best for best valueMount Colah
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 | Hornsby | Mount Colah |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 64.1/100 | 63.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 54.2/100 | 53.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 66.0 / 1k | 11.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 11 | 2 |
| Weather (desirability) | 82.3/100 | 82.3/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 13 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 239 | 161 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 49.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 917 | 105 |
| Planning activity | 43 | 20 |
| Green cover | 3.8% | 9.0% |
| Population | 22,462 | 7,816 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Hornsby is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Mount Colah is a leafier hillside mid-sized suburb with elevated outlooks. Mount Colah sits among greener hillside streets, while Hornsby keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Hornsby tends to lead on schools and education options, parks and reserves, and public transport access, while Mount Colah stands out for housing affordability, a quieter safety profile, and a calmer planning outlook.
Hornsby suits households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Mount Colah is the stronger match for retirees, families, investors, and value-focused buyers.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.