Macarthur vs Gilmore.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $940,000 and $845,000. Gilmore edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.
Gilmore (median $845,000) is roughly 11% cheaper to buy into than Macarthur ($940,000).
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Gilmore (1039) sits above Macarthur (1038). Macarthur skews owner-occupied (89%), Gilmore runs more rental-dense (75% owner).
For buyers
Gilmore is the lower entry point at $845,000 median, 11% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
For investors
Gilmore offers the higher gross rental yield (2.65% vs 2.56%), favouring cash-flow investors.
For families
Gilmore edges out on average school ICSEA (1039 vs 1038).
Common questions
Is Macarthur or Gilmore cheaper to buy in?
Gilmore has the lower median house price at $845,000, roughly 11% below Macarthur ($940,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Macarthur or Gilmore have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Gilmore scores 1039 vs 1038 in Macarthur. 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, Macarthur or Gilmore?
Gross rental yield on houses is 2.65% in Gilmore vs 2.56% in Macarthur. 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.
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).
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