Overall score
Hornsby
65.0/100
Thornleigh
71.5/100
Hornsby vs Thornleigh, NSW suburb comparison
Thornleigh for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
HornsbyThornleigh
Crime rate
Hornsby
66.0 / 1k
Thornleigh
23.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Hornsby
912
Thornleigh
343
Population
Hornsby
22,462
Thornleigh
8,898
Metric leadHornsby 6Thornleigh 5across 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 retireesThornleigh
- Best for familiesThornleigh
- Best for investmentThornleigh
- Best for best valueThornleigh
- Best for best schoolsThornleigh
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 | Thornleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 65.0/100 | 71.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 25.0/100 | 43.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 66.0 / 1k | 23.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 11 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 13 | 8 |
| Public transport stops | 239 | 180 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 71.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 912 | 343 |
| Planning activity | 36 | 24 |
| Population | 22,462 | 8,898 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Hornsby reads as a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby; Thornleigh is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Hornsby pulls ahead on schools and education options and parks and reserves, whereas Thornleigh is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Choose Hornsby if you are weighing households prioritising schools; lean toward Thornleigh for retirees and families.