Higher Macdonald vs Fernances.
Suburb-to-suburb comparison across price, growth, lifestyle, schools and risk. Higher Macdonald edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Higher Macdonald (962) sits above Fernances (950). Higher Macdonald skews owner-occupied (120%), Fernances runs more rental-dense (63% owner).
For buyers
We don't yet have verified suburb-level medians for one or both of these suburbs. Check the individual profiles for the data we do publish, and the methodology page for how we source it.
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
Higher Macdonald edges out on average school ICSEA (962 vs 950). Higher Macdonald also has a higher family-household share (100% vs 50%), so the catchment community skews family-heavy.
Common questions
Does Higher Macdonald or Fernances have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Higher Macdonald scores 962 vs 950 in Fernances. 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.
The numbers behind the take
Price & Market
Rental
Lifestyle & Demographics
Risk & Hazard
Schools
Climate
Green dot = better on that metric (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk).
Compare Higher Macdonald against another suburb