Fairfield vs Northcote
Northcote (median $1,724,500) is roughly 16% cheaper to buy into than Fairfield ($2,050,000).
Buying in Fairfield or Northcote?
Selling in Fairfield? The free selling guide
Fairfield and Northcote side by side
| Measure | Fairfield | Northcote |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $2,050,000 | $1,724,500 |
| Median unit | $594,000 | $600,000 |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $850/wk | $850/wk |
| Unit rent | $575/wk | $600/wk |
| Owner occupied | – | 60.0% |
| Renter occupied | – | 37.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1138 | 1137 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 100 | 100 |
| Transit score | 100 | 100 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | – | 25,276 |
| Median age | – | 37 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 611 mm | 623 mm |
| Mean max, January | 27.0°C | 27.0°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
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Fairfield (1138) sits above Northcote (1137).
- For buyers
- Northcote is the lower entry point at $1,724,500 median, 16% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Northcote offers the higher gross rental yield (2.56% vs 2.16%), favouring cash-flow investors.
- For families
- Fairfield edges out on average school ICSEA (1138 vs 1137).
Fairfield vs Northcote: common questions
Is Fairfield or Northcote cheaper to buy in?
Northcote has the lower median house price at $1,724,500, roughly 16% below Fairfield ($2,050,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Fairfield or Northcote have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Fairfield scores 1138 vs 1137 in Northcote. 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 suburb has higher rental yield, Fairfield or Northcote?
Gross rental yield on houses is 2.56% in Northcote vs 2.16% in Fairfield. Gross yield equals annual rent divided by purchase price. Net yield (after strata, rates, insurance, agent fees and maintenance) typically runs 1.5-2 percentage points lower.
Keep comparing
The two suburbs
Compare Fairfield with
Choosing between Fairfield and Northcote?
The free buying guide: budget, schemes, inspections and how not to overpay.