Merrimac vs Clear Island Waters.
Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $950,500 and $1,898,500. Merrimac edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.
Merrimac (median $950,500) is roughly 50% cheaper to buy into than Clear Island Waters ($1,898,500).
Merrimac scores higher on walkability (4/100 vs 2/100 ), useful if you're optimising for a car-light household. On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Clear Island Waters (1060) sits above Merrimac (1057). Clear Island Waters skews owner-occupied (75%), Merrimac runs more rental-dense (63% owner).
For buyers
Merrimac is the lower entry point at $950,500 median, 50% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
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
Clear Island Waters edges out on average school ICSEA (1060 vs 1057).
Common questions
Is Merrimac or Clear Island Waters cheaper to buy in?
Merrimac has the lower median house price at $950,500, roughly 50% below Clear Island Waters ($1,898,500). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Merrimac or Clear Island Waters have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Clear Island Waters scores 1060 vs 1057 in Merrimac. 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, Merrimac or Clear Island Waters?
Merrimac scores 4/100 on walkability vs 2/100. 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.
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 Merrimac against another suburb