Carrum vs Patterson Lakes
Carrum (median $1,100,500) is roughly 30% cheaper to buy into than Patterson Lakes ($1,575,000).
Buying in Carrum or Patterson Lakes?
Selling in Carrum? The free selling guide
Carrum and Patterson Lakes side by side
| Measure | Carrum | Patterson Lakes |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $1,100,500 | $1,575,000 |
| Median unit | $762,500 | $710,000 |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $680/wk | – |
| Unit rent | $545/wk | – |
| Owner occupied | 67.0% | 79.0% |
| Renter occupied | 31.0% | 15.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1046 | 1040 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 2 | 8 |
| Transit score | 60 | 0 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | 4,239 | 7,793 |
| Median age | 40 | 46 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 651 mm | 678 mm |
| Mean max, January | 25.7°C | 25.9°C |
Green dot: better on that measure (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk). Each suburb’s profile gives the source and period of its figures.
Which suits whom
Patterson Lakes scores higher on walkability (2/100 vs 8/100 ), useful if you're optimising for a car-light household. On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Carrum (1046) sits above Patterson Lakes (1040). Patterson Lakes skews owner-occupied (79%), Carrum runs more rental-dense (67% owner).
- For buyers
- Carrum is the lower entry point at $1,100,500 median, 30% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Rental or growth data is incomplete for one or both suburbs. Look at the full investor view on each suburb profile for a complete picture.
- For families
- Carrum edges out on average school ICSEA (1046 vs 1040).
Carrum vs Patterson Lakes: common questions
Is Carrum or Patterson Lakes cheaper to buy in?
Carrum has the lower median house price at $1,100,500, roughly 30% below Patterson Lakes ($1,575,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Carrum or Patterson Lakes have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Carrum scores 1046 vs 1040 in Patterson Lakes. ICSEA is a school-community indicator, not a quality rating, so always check NAPLAN results and catchment boundaries for the specific address you're considering.
Which is more walkable, Carrum or Patterson Lakes?
Patterson Lakes scores 8/100 on walkability vs 2/100. Above 70 is considered very walkable (most errands on foot), 50-69 is walkable for some errands, below 50 typically requires a car for daily life.
Keep comparing
The two suburbs
Compare Carrum with
Choosing between Carrum and Patterson Lakes?
The free buying guide: budget, schemes, inspections and how not to overpay.