Overall score
Northgate
48.5/100
Wavell Heights
70.1/100
Northgate vs Wavell Heights, QLD suburb comparison
Northgate for schools; Wavell Heights for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
NorthgateWavell Heights
Crime rate
Northgate
61.9 / 1k
Wavell Heights
31.0 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Northgate
66
Wavell Heights
205
Population
Northgate
4,876
Wavell Heights
10,336
Metric leadNorthgate 1Wavell Heights 9across 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesWavell Heights
- Best for familiesWavell Heights
- Best for investmentWavell Heights
- Best for best valueWavell Heights
- Best for best schoolsNorthgate
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 | Northgate | Wavell Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 48.5/100 | 70.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 35.7/100 | 76.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 61.9 / 1k | 31.0 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 16 |
| Public transport stops | 29 | 74 |
| Walkability | 38.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 66 | 205 |
| Population | 4,876 | 10,336 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Northgate is a lively metro mid-sized suburb with dining and everyday convenience close by, while Wavell Heights is a hills established suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood. Wavell Heights sits among greener hillside streets, while Northgate keeps a flatter suburban layout.
Northgate tends to lead on walkability, while Wavell Heights stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Wavell Heights, while Northgate remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.