Side by sideSuburb comparison

Richardson vs Calwell.

Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $805,000 and $845,000. Richardson edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.

Richardson (median $805,000) is roughly 5% cheaper to buy into than Calwell ($845,000).

On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Richardson (1034) sits above Calwell (1032). Calwell skews owner-occupied (83%), Richardson runs more rental-dense (73% owner).

The takeWhich suburb suits which buyer

For buyers

Richardson is the lower entry point at $805,000 median, 5% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.

For investors

Richardson offers the higher gross rental yield (2.78% vs 2.65%), favouring cash-flow investors.

For families

Richardson edges out on average school ICSEA (1034 vs 1032).

Common questionsRichardson vs Calwell

Common questions

Is Richardson or Calwell cheaper to buy in?

Richardson has the lower median house price at $805,000, roughly 5% below Calwell ($845,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.

Does Richardson or Calwell have better schools?

On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Richardson scores 1034 vs 1032 in Calwell. 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, Richardson or Calwell?

Gross rental yield on houses is 2.78% in Richardson vs 2.65% in Calwell. 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

Richardson
Metric
Calwell

Price & Market

$805,000
Median house
$845,000
$316,800
Median unit
$627,750
+0.0%
Annual growth (house)
+0.0%
Days on market

Rental

$430/wk
Rent (house / wk)
$430/wk
$391/wk
Rent (unit / wk)
$448/wk
73.0%
Owner occupied
83.0%
26.0%
Renter occupied
15.0%

Lifestyle & Demographics

18
Walk score
18
80
Transit score
90
100
Bike score
100
3,058
Population
5,730
36
Median age
37

Risk & Hazard

Flood class
Bushfire risk

Schools

20
Schools nearby
20
1034
Avg ICSEA
1032

Climate

Annual rainfall
Mean max (Jan)

Green dot = better on that metric (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk).