South Melbourne vs South Wharf
On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving South Melbourne (1124) sits above South Wharf (1078). South Melbourne skews owner-occupied (42%), South Wharf runs more rental-dense (30% owner).
Buying in South Melbourne or South Wharf?
Selling in South Melbourne? The free selling guide
South Melbourne and South Wharf side by side
| Measure | South Melbourne | South Wharf |
|---|---|---|
| Price and market | ||
| Median house | $1,760,000 | – |
| Median unit | $587,500 | – |
| Renting | ||
| House rent | $950/wk | – |
| Unit rent | $700/wk | – |
| Owner occupied | 42.0% | 30.0% |
| Renter occupied | 55.0% | 61.0% |
| Schools | ||
| Schools nearby | 20 | 20 |
| Average ICSEA | 1124 | 1078 |
| Lifestyle and people | ||
| Walk score | – | 100 |
| Transit score | – | 100 |
| Bike score | – | 100 |
| Population | 11,548 | 71 |
| Median age | 39 | 34 |
| Climate | ||
| Annual rainfall | 578 mm | 582 mm |
| Mean max, January | 26.6°C | 26.9°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
- For buyers
- We don't yet have verified suburb-level medians for one or both of these suburbs. Check the individual profiles for the data we do publish, and the methodology page for how we source it.
- 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
- South Melbourne edges out on average school ICSEA (1124 vs 1078). South Wharf also has a higher family-household share (87% vs 51%), so the catchment community skews family-heavy.
South Melbourne vs South Wharf: common questions
Does South Melbourne or South Wharf have better schools?
On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), South Melbourne scores 1124 vs 1078 in South Wharf. 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.
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