Overall score
Nicholls
69.0/100
Palmerston
46.0/100
Nicholls vs Palmerston, ACT suburb comparison
Nicholls for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
NichollsPalmerston
Crime rate
Nicholls
17.1 / 1k
Palmerston
18.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Nicholls
178
Palmerston
53
Population
Nicholls
6,680
Palmerston
5,579
Metric leadNicholls 6Palmerston 03 tiedacross 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
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 | Nicholls | Palmerston |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 69.0/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 17.1 / 1k | 18.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | — |
| Walkability | 75.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 178 | 53 |
| Planning activity | 1 | 1 |
| Population | 6,680 | 5,579 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Nicholls is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, while Palmerston is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by. Nicholls sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Palmerston is closer to the city centre.
Nicholls pulls ahead on a quieter safety profile and walkability, whereas Palmerston is the better pick for an affluent, sought-after address.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Nicholls, while Palmerston remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.