Side by sideSuburb comparison

Waterloo vs Cairns Bay.

Suburb-to-suburb comparison across price, growth, lifestyle, schools and risk. Waterloo edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.

On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving Waterloo (942) sits above Cairns Bay (932).

The takeWhich suburb suits which buyer

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

Waterloo edges out on average school ICSEA (942 vs 932).

Common questionsWaterloo vs Cairns Bay

Common questions

Does Waterloo or Cairns Bay have better schools?

On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), Waterloo scores 942 vs 932 in Cairns Bay. 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.

The numbers behind the take

Waterloo
Metric
Cairns Bay

Price & Market

Median house
Median unit
+0.0%
Annual growth (house)
+0.0%
Days on market

Rental

$290/wk
Rent (house / wk)
$280/wk
$247/wk
Rent (unit / wk)
$255/wk
Owner occupied
77.0%
Renter occupied
62.0%

Lifestyle & Demographics

0
Walk score
0
0
Transit score
0
0
Bike score
0
9,872
Population
47
43
Median age
39

Risk & Hazard

Flood class
Bushfire risk

Schools

7
Schools nearby
4
942
Avg ICSEA
932

Climate

586 mm
Annual rainfall
586 mm
21.8°C
Mean max (Jan)
21.8°C

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