Collarenebri vs Lightning Ridge
Collarenebri (median $105,000) is roughly 46% cheaper to buy into than Lightning Ridge ($195,000). Over the past year, Lightning Ridge (+23.8%) ran 39.8 percentage points ahead of Collarenebri (-16%) on house-price growth.
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Collarenebri and Lightning Ridge side by side
| Measure | Collarenebri | Lightning Ridge |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $105,000 | $195,000 |
| Median unit | $120,240 | $137,520 |
| House price change, 12 months | -16.0% | +23.8% |
| Renting | ||
| Owner occupied | 46.0% | 62.0% |
| Renter occupied | 44.0% | 29.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 1 | 1 |
| Average ICSEA | 625 | 790 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 0 | 96 |
| Transit score | 0 | 10 |
| Bike score | 0 | 0 |
| Population | 634 | 1,946 |
| Median age | 39 | 53 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 460 mm | 449 mm |
| Mean max, January | 35.8°C | 36.0°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
Lightning Ridge scores higher on walkability (0/100 vs 96/100 ), useful if you're optimising for a car-light household. On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Lightning Ridge (790) sits above Collarenebri (625). Lightning Ridge skews owner-occupied (62%), Collarenebri runs more rental-dense (46% owner).
- For buyers
- Collarenebri is the lower entry point at $105,000 median, 46% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Lightning Ridge has run faster on 12-month capital growth, favouring growth-led investors.
- For families
- Lightning Ridge edges out on average school ICSEA (790 vs 625). Collarenebri also has a higher family-household share (64% vs 52%), so the catchment community skews family-heavy.
Collarenebri vs Lightning Ridge: common questions
Is Collarenebri or Lightning Ridge cheaper to buy in?
Collarenebri has the lower median house price at $105,000, roughly 46% below Lightning Ridge ($195,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Which has stronger property growth, Collarenebri or Lightning Ridge?
Over the past 12 months, Lightning Ridge grew +23.8% vs -16% in Collarenebri, a gap of 39.8 percentage points. Twelve-month growth can swing year to year, so weight long-run trends from the individual suburb profiles before making a buy decision.
Does Collarenebri or Lightning Ridge have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Lightning Ridge scores 790 vs 625 in Collarenebri. 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, Collarenebri or Lightning Ridge?
Lightning Ridge scores 96/100 on walkability vs 0/100. 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.
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The two suburbs
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