Overall score
Northcote
73.7/100
Thornbury
71.6/100
Northcote vs Thornbury, VIC suburb comparison
Northcote for families and schools; Thornbury for investment.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
NorthcoteThornbury
Crime rate
Northcote
66.2 / 1k
Thornbury
71.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Northcote
931
Thornbury
468
Population
Northcote
25,276
Thornbury
19,005
Metric leadNorthcote 7Thornbury 22 tiedacross 11 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 | Northcote | Thornbury |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 73.7/100 | 71.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 19.5/100 | 16.7/100 |
| Crime rate | 66.2 / 1k | 71.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 17 | 16 |
| Parks & reserves | 20 | 25 |
| Public transport stops | 160 | 90 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 931 | 468 |
| Planning activity | 377 | 192 |
| Population | 25,276 | 19,005 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Northcote is an energetic metro larger suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Thornbury is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
On the data, Northcote is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Thornbury answers with parks and reserves and a calmer planning outlook.
Northcote suits families and households prioritising schools more clearly, whereas Thornbury is the stronger match for investors.