Overall score
Maitland
59.8/100
Muswellbrook
43.0/100
Maitland vs Muswellbrook, NSW suburb comparison
Maitland for retirees and families; Muswellbrook for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
MaitlandMuswellbrook
Crime rate
Maitland
95.4 / 1k
Muswellbrook
142.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Maitland
331
Muswellbrook
0
Population
Maitland
1,972
Muswellbrook
12,272
Metric leadMaitland 5Muswellbrook 51 tiedacross 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 retireesMaitland
- Best for familiesMaitland
- Best for investmentMuswellbrook
- Best for best schoolsMaitland
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 | Maitland | Muswellbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 59.8/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 49.0/100 | 67.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 95.4 / 1k | 142.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 10 |
| Public transport stops | 112 | 677 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 331 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 29 | 72 |
| Population | 1,972 | 12,272 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Maitland reads as a well-serviced metro smaller community with plenty happening nearby; Muswellbrook is a more rural established suburb that rewards people who want room to breathe. Maitland sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Muswellbrook is more regionally self-contained.
Maitland pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and walkability, whereas Muswellbrook is the better pick for housing affordability and parks and reserves.
Retirees and families may find Maitland the better fit, while investors are more likely to prefer Muswellbrook.