Overall score
Hornsby
65.0/100
Mount Colah
59.0/100
Hornsby vs Mount Colah, NSW suburb comparison
Hornsby for schools; Mount Colah for retirees and families.
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
912
Mount Colah
105
Population
Hornsby
22,462
Mount Colah
7,816
Metric leadHornsby 7Mount Colah 4across 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMount Colah
- Best for familiesMount Colah
- Best for investmentMount Colah
- Best for best valueMount Colah
- Best for best schoolsHornsby
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 | 65.0/100 | 59.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 25.0/100 | 45.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 66.0 / 1k | 11.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 11 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 13 | 6 |
| Public transport stops | 239 | 161 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 49.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 912 | 105 |
| Planning activity | 36 | 13 |
| 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 and parks and reserves, while Mount Colah stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Hornsby suits households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Mount Colah is the stronger match for retirees and families.