Overall score
Newcastle
63.4/100
Wickham
34.1/100
Newcastle for retirees and families; Wickham for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Newcastle
63.4/100
Wickham
34.1/100
Crime rate
Newcastle
217.8 / 1k
Wickham
404.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Newcastle
673
Wickham
84
Population
Newcastle
3,852
Wickham
1,637
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 | Newcastle | Wickham |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 63.4/100 | 34.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 22.3/100 | 6.8/100 |
| Crime rate | 217.8 / 1k | 404.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 8 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 56 | 26 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 673 | 84 |
| Planning activity | 26 | 7 |
| Population | 3,852 | 1,637 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Newcastle reads as a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Wickham is a well-serviced metro smaller community with plenty happening nearby. Newcastle leans into coastal living, while Wickham feels more inland and suburban in character.
Newcastle pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Wickham is the better pick for a calmer planning outlook.
Retirees and families may find Newcastle the better fit, while investors are more likely to prefer Wickham.