Hornsby vs Waitara
Hornsby (median $1,850,000) is roughly 27% cheaper to buy into than Waitara ($2,521,000).
Buying in Hornsby or Waitara?
Selling in Hornsby? The free selling guide
Hornsby and Waitara side by side
| Measure | Hornsby | Waitara |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $1,850,000 | $2,521,000 |
| Median unit | $372,240 | $372,240 |
| House price change, 12 months | +3.8% | – |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $890/wk | $890/wk |
| Unit rent | $700/wk | $700/wk |
| Owner occupied | 55.0% | 48.0% |
| Renter occupied | 43.0% | 50.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1126 | 1131 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 100 | 100 |
| Transit score | 90 | 20 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | 22,462 | 7,837 |
| Median age | 38 | 36 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 1097 mm | 1097 mm |
| Mean max, January | 27.8°C | 27.8°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 Waitara (1131) sits above Hornsby (1126).
- For buyers
- Hornsby is the lower entry point at $1,850,000 median, 27% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Hornsby offers the higher gross rental yield (2.50% vs 1.84%), favouring cash-flow investors.
- For families
- Waitara edges out on average school ICSEA (1131 vs 1126).
Hornsby vs Waitara: common questions
Is Hornsby or Waitara cheaper to buy in?
Hornsby has the lower median house price at $1,850,000, roughly 27% below Waitara ($2,521,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Hornsby or Waitara have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Waitara scores 1131 vs 1126 in Hornsby. 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, Hornsby or Waitara?
Gross rental yield on houses is 2.50% in Hornsby vs 1.84% in Waitara. 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.
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