Overall score
Maitland
59.8/100
Rutherford
61.7/100
Maitland for families and schools; Rutherford for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Maitland
59.8/100
Rutherford
61.7/100
Crime rate
Maitland
95.4 / 1k
Rutherford
95.4 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Maitland
331
Rutherford
375
Population
Maitland
1,972
Rutherford
13,091
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Maitland | Rutherford |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 59.8/100 | 61.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 49.0/100 | 76.1/100 |
| Crime rate | 95.4 / 1k | 95.4 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 5 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 112 | 262 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 85.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 331 | 375 |
| Planning activity | 29 | 57 |
| Population | 1,972 | 13,091 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 2/10 |
Put side by side, Maitland is a well-serviced metro smaller community with plenty happening nearby, and Rutherford is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby.
Maitland tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves, while Rutherford stands out for housing affordability and public transport access.
Maitland suits families and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Rutherford is the stronger match for investors and value-focused buyers.