Overall score
Marrickville
68.6/100
Petersham
63.3/100
Marrickville for investment and value; Petersham for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Marrickville
68.6/100
Petersham
63.3/100
Crime rate
Marrickville
87.5 / 1k
Petersham
54.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Marrickville
653
Petersham
242
Population
Marrickville
26,570
Petersham
8,200
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 | Marrickville | Petersham |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 68.6/100 | 63.3/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 15.8/100 | 9.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 87.5 / 1k | 54.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 21 | 30 |
| Parks & reserves | 21 | 4 |
| Public transport stops | 154 | 61 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 653 | 242 |
| Planning activity | 91 | 46 |
| Population | 26,570 | 8,200 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Put side by side, Marrickville is a well-serviced metro larger suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Petersham is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby.
On the data, Marrickville is stronger for housing affordability and schools and education options; Petersham answers with a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook.
Choose Marrickville if you are weighing investors and value-focused buyers; lean toward Petersham for retirees and families.