Northcote vs Thornbury
Thornbury (median $1,390,000) is roughly 19% cheaper to buy into than Northcote ($1,724,500).
Buying in Northcote or Thornbury?
Selling in Northcote? The free selling guide
Northcote and Thornbury side by side
| Measure | Northcote | Thornbury |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $1,724,500 | $1,390,000 |
| Median unit | $600,000 | $470,000 |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $850/wk | $798/wk |
| Unit rent | $600/wk | $520/wk |
| Owner occupied | 60.0% | 56.0% |
| Renter occupied | 37.0% | 42.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1137 | 1111 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | 100 | 100 |
| Transit score | 100 | 0 |
| Bike score | 100 | 100 |
| Population | 25,276 | 19,005 |
| Median age | 37 | 37 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 623 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 Northcote (1137) sits above Thornbury (1111).
- For buyers
- Thornbury is the lower entry point at $1,390,000 median, 19% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.
- For investors
- Thornbury offers the higher gross rental yield (2.99% vs 2.56%), favouring cash-flow investors.
- For families
- Northcote edges out on average school ICSEA (1137 vs 1111).
Northcote vs Thornbury: common questions
Is Northcote or Thornbury cheaper to buy in?
Thornbury has the lower median house price at $1,390,000, roughly 19% below Northcote ($1,724,500). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.
Does Northcote or Thornbury have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Northcote scores 1137 vs 1111 in Thornbury. 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, Northcote or Thornbury?
Gross rental yield on houses is 2.99% in Thornbury vs 2.56% in Northcote. 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
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