Overall score
Penrith
69.0/100
St Marys
61.8/100
Penrith vs St Marys, NSW suburb comparison
Penrith for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
PenrithSt Marys
Crime rate
Penrith
154.3 / 1k
St Marys
123.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Penrith
1,109
St Marys
507
Population
Penrith
17,966
St Marys
13,256
Metric leadPenrith 6St Marys 41 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 | Penrith | St Marys |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 69.0/100 | 61.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 25.1/100 | 32.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 154.3 / 1k | 123.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 10 |
| Parks & reserves | 23 | 15 |
| Public transport stops | 280 | 176 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1,109 | 507 |
| Planning activity | 60 | 40 |
| Population | 17,966 | 13,256 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Penrith is a well-serviced metro established suburb with plenty happening nearby, while St Marys is an energetic metro established suburb where cafés and local life overlap.
Penrith pulls ahead on parks and reserves and public transport access, whereas St Marys is the better pick for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Penrith, while St Marys remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.