Metric definitions

Addiction Levels Index

The Addiction Index measures the prevalence of addictive behaviors in a given area. It takes into account factors such as substance abuse, gambling, and other compulsive behaviors. A high value indicates a higher risk of addiction-related issues in the area. Areas with high substance abuse can often also suffer from high crime rates.

Affluence Score

The overall affluence of the area, measured as a score out of 10, with a higher score representing a more well-to-do area.

Alienation Levels Index

The frequency of feelings of detachment from society or community for people, measured as a score. A high alienation score can reflect poorly on the strength of the community in the region.

Australian Aboriginal Population

The proportion of people living in Australia who reported to having Indigenous Australian heritage on the 2021 Australian Census. It is important to note that Indigenous Australian communities often experience greater levels of socioeconomic disadvantage, and suffer from reduced life expectancy and a lower quality of life.

Average Childcare Centre Rating

A numerical ranking, on a scale of 0-100, which indicates, on average, the overall quality of all childcare centres within the region, with a higher score indicating a higher quality of childcare.

Average Number of Bedrooms

The average number of bedrooms for all homes as of the 10th of August for the 2021 Australian Census. This is a reflection of the size of the home, but is also a measure of latent supply, particularly in regards to empty nesters with large 3-4 bedroom homes. A higher average number of bedrooms in a suburb indicates a capacity to take in more people and families, as well as the potential for people to convert bedrooms to studies for Work From Home opportunities

Average Welfare Payments

The average government payments and allowances received for each recipient, including, but not limited to, Age Pension, JobSeeker Payment, and Youth Allowance. It is important to note the varying types of people which receive welfare, from unemployed people to disabled people. Also note that high rates of welfare payments in a region can inadvertently create an income growth ceiling.

Bicycle Commuters

The proportion of people (aged 15 and over) who reported that they rode a bicycle to commute to work.

Bushfire Prone Area

Bushfire prone areas are those where there is a relatively high likelihood of a bushfire burning through the region. There are 3 important aspects to this. The first is a safety aspect; there is a greater degree of risk and danger associated with living in a area with high bushfire risk. The second aspect is that of development restrictions; when an area is at risk of bushfire, often houses must be constructed in a certain manner, and from certain materials, in order to accomodate the higher risk of bushfire. The final aspect is that of insurance; home insurance is more expensive for those dwellings which reside in a bushfire prone area.

Business Activity Index

The overall level of business activity occurring in the region, measured by observing per capita rates of business entries and exits. A higher score indicates a higher rate of business activity, as well as a greater prevalence of entrepreneurship in the area.

Car Commuters

The proportion of people (aged 15 and over) who reported that they drove to work in a car to commute to work.

Catchment Area of Primary School

Australian public schools all have a geographical zone, known as a catchment. If your place of residence falls within this catchment then, with exceptions, your child must attend that local public school (depending on the age and gender specifications of the school). Note that these catchment zones do not apply to private schools.

Catchment Area of Primary School

Australian public schools all have a geographical zone, known as a catchment. If your place of residence falls within this catchment then, with exceptions, your child must attend that local public school (depending on the age and gender specifications of the school). Note that these catchment zones do not apply to private schools.

Catchment Areas for Public Schools

Australian public schools all have a geographical zone, known as a catchment. If your place of residence falls within this catchment then, with exceptions, your child must attend that local public school (depending on the age and gender specifications of the school). Note that these catchment zones do not apply to private schools.

Climate Score

The environmental conditions of a suburb. A high value indicates a favorable climate for living, with good air quality, low pollution, and comfortable temperatures.

Closest River

The distance to the nearest river. Rivers can enhance an area's tranquility, whilst also encouraging an outdoor lifestyle.

Comercially Zoned Land in Suburb

The total commercial land area in the suburb. Commercial zoning can have many purposes, from offices to retail stores. Whilst retail stores help to serve the community, offices can contirbute to high density levels and disturbances.

Common Assault

The use of intentional and unwanted physical force, whether direct or indirect, used against a victim, which is not severe enough to constitute a form of aggravated assault. The force must be non-sexual in nature. Impacts people's feelings of safety in the area.

Community Score

The overall livability and desirability of a community. A high Community Score indicates a desirable area with good amenities, low crime rates, good schools, and a strong sense of community. A low score may indicate a lack of amenities, high crime rates, poor schools, and a lack of community engagement.

Conservatism Score

The political leaning of residents in a suburb. A high value indicates a higher proportion of residents who identify as conservative or right-leaning in their political views.

Convenience Score

The level of ease and accessibility of amenities and services in a given area. A high value indicates that necessary services and amenities are easily accessible, while a low value suggests a lack of convenience and accessibility.

Countries of Origin

The most common regions of origin of the inhabitants of a suburb.

Current Population

The total population as of the 10th of August on the 2021 Australian Census. The total population includes everyone in Australia on Census night. This figure on its own is not necessarily extremely useful, but it is often a critical figure when looking at the longevity and vibrancy of regional areas, which need a minimum threshold of people to feasibly maintain access to a breadth of necessary goods and services.

Development Restrictions Index

The ease with which developments, such as renovations and creation of new dwellings, can be carried out, based on the zoning regulations and council regulation of the areas, measured on a scale of 0-1. A higher score indicates a greater prevalence of development restrictions in the area, such as environmental zoning laws.

Distance to Beach

The distance to the nearest beach. Note that beaches often serve as community focal points, whilst encouraging an outdoors lifestyle. Depending on the beach, there could also be lots of traffic in the area, and large numbers of non-locals passing through, which may weaken the sense of local community.

Distance to Nearest Hub

The straight line distance, in kilometres, to the nearest large hub, whether this be a city or large town. Due to trends of people moving from small towns to large hubs, a long distance to the nearest hub can be a sign of lower access to goods and services, and a higher degree of isolation.

Diversity of Population

The proportion of different ethnicities and cultures within a suburb. A high value indicates a diverse community with a range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Education Score

A score which reflects how well-educated the population of the area is, and the quality of the area's educational offerings, with a higher score reflecting a more educated populace.

Elevation

Elevation provides an indication of the steepness of the terrain in a suburb. A high elevation can inidcate a hilly suburb, while a low value can inidcate a flat suburb. A hillier property can be harder to develop, but a hillier suburb overall will often have greater amounts of green space due to development constraints. Elevation also contributes to the flooding risk (or lack thereof) in a suburb. In a suburb with a high hilliness index, there is often large fluctuations in housing prices, due to changes in the views and outlooks of different places. Resultantly in hilly suburbs, market segementation into high, medium and low segments is all the more important for understanding the market in the suburb.

Family Households

The proportion of households who reported that they had at least one family in the dwelling on the 10th of August for the 2021 Australian Census. A family is defined as two or more people, one of whom is at least 15 years old, who are related by blood, marriage, adoption, step, or fostering.

Family Score

The level of family-friendliness in a suburb, determined by factors such as access to schools, parks, and community services. A high value indicates a suburb with a strong sense of community and amenities that cater to families.

Future Population Projections (10 year growth total)

The total predicted percentage growth (or decline) in the population over the next ten years. High population growth drives high demand for housing, and if this is coupled with low housing supply, then this can lead to large housing price increases.

Healthcare Coverage Index

Average access to healthcare services, scored as an index out of 100. A higher score indicates a greater availability of healthcare and specialised health services in the area.

Heritage Zoning

Heritage zoned areas are those that, for historical or cultural reasons, have a high degree of development and building restrictions imposed, in order to maintain the overall aesthetic of the area. These development limitations often apply to the exterior facade of these buildings, and also mean that the floor space ratio of a building may not grow in-line with non heritage zoned buildings in the suburb, which face less development restrictions.

Hilliness Index

The Hilliness index measures the steepness of the terrain in a suburb. A high value indicates a hilly suburb, while a low value indicates a flat suburb. A hillier property can be harder to develop, but a hillier suburb overall will often have greater amounts of green space due to development constraints. Elevation also contributes to the flooding risk (or lack thereof) in a suburb. In a suburb with a high hilliness index, there is often large fluctuations in housing prices, due to changes in the views and outlooks of different places. Resultantly in hilly suburbs, market segementation into high, medium and low segments is all the more important for understanding the market in the suburb.

Hip Score

The level of trendiness and desirability of a suburb. A high value indicates a popular and sought-after area with a vibrant culture and amenities.

Hip Venues

The total number of hip and trendy venues present in the region. A high amount of hip venues can indiciate a process of gentrification, whereby young people have moved into a formerly undesirable area and rendered it 'hip'.

Historical Population Growth

The rate of change in the number of residents in a suburb over the past 5 years. A high value indicates a significant increase in the number of residents, which may result in increased demand for housing, infrastructure, and services. It may also indicate a growing economy and job opportunities. However, a very high population growth rate may lead to overcrowding and strain on resources. Historical population growth is helpful to keep in mind when analysing market trends.

Homelessness

The proportion of people receiving homelessness services from specialist homelessness agencies, ranging from general support to crisis accommodation. This speaks to levels of disadvantage in the area, and can be an off-putting factor for some buyers. It is important to note that these homelessness statistics are measured on a broad SA2 level, and that it is likely that homeless individuals will tend to concentrate around support services, instead of residential streets.

Income in bottom 25% of Australian earners

The percentage of the populace which fall within the category of the bottom 25% of income earners in Australia. It is important to note that Australia still has a high minimum wage.

Income in top 25% of Australian earners

The percentage of the populace which fall within the category of the top 25% of income earners in Australia.

Industrially Zoned Land in Suburb

The total industrial land area in the suburb.

Industry Diversity Score

The variety in the types of industries present in the region. A high index indicates a large number of different industries, suggesting a diversity of job types, whilst a low score suggests an over-reliance on some core industries.

Inequality Using Gini Coefficient

The income inequality represented between 0 and 1 using the Gini coefficient. A higher value indicates greater income inequality. Note rural communities will tend to have high inequality, due to there being wealthier farmers and poorer townspeople.

Jobseeker Recipients in Postcode

Recipients of government assistance for jobseekers. A high value indicates a higher number of individuals in the suburb who are currently unemployed and receiving government assistance for jobseekers. This may suggest a weaker job market in the area, and serves as a reflection of the demand for labour. High numbers of Jobseeker recipients is fine in the short term; this reflects the cyclical economic conditions which rise and fall. However, if an area has a continually high number of Jobseeker recipients over-time, then this is more concerning, as it speaks to a potentially underskilled population whose talents do not match those demanded by the region. This can lead to entrenched disadvantage.

Lifestyle Score

A score indicating the desirability of a suburb's lifestyle. High values indicate a desirable lifestyle with access to amenities, entertainment, and cultural activities.

Median Monthly Mortgage

The median monthly mortgage repayments as of the 10th of August for the 2021 Australian Census. This value is a reflection of both house price and how recently people purchased their dwelling. Whilst this is a useful indicator, it is more beneficial to observe mortgage stress rates in an area, as well as to assess whether mortgage payers have other sources of income.

Median Weekly Household Income

The median total pre-tax income of a household based on the reported personal income of all members (aged 15 and over) as of the 10th of August for the 2021 Australian Census. Whilst this has historically been viewed as a core deterimnant of capital growth in an area, it actually tends not to have a strong correlation.

Middle Class Proportion

The proportion of residents who fall under the socioeconomic group consisting of white-collar professionals, with potenially a small pool of investments and relatively high income and socioeconomic status.

Mobile Blackspots

Areas where there is sporadic or no mobile phone reception. This poses a practical issue, particularly as landlines are phased out.

Mortgage as a Percentage of Income

The average proportion of a household's monthly income which is allocated to mortgage repayments. A higher value indicates a lower availability of disposable income to spend.

Multilingual with Good English Speakers

The proportion of people who reported that they speak English well or very well and another language at home.

Nearby Recent DAs

Recent development applications in the vicinity of the property. This is a measure of the relative ease with which one can apply for a DA. Lots of nearby DAs indicates a vote of confidence in the area, whereby people are spending money on development. Creation of new dwellings and subdivisions also works to increase housing supply in the area. This can slow capital growth, but encourage the development of new amenities for residents.

Nearest Flooding Prone Area

Flooding prone areas are those where there is a relatively high likelihood of flooding occuring in region. There are 3 important aspects to this. The first is a safety aspect; there is a greater degree of risk and danger associated with living in a area with high flood risk. The second aspect is that of development restrictions; when an area is at risk of flood, often houses must be constructed in a certain manner, and from certain materials, in order to accomodate the higher risk. The final aspect is that of insurance; home insurance is more expensive for those dwellings which reside in a flood prone area. The risk of flood is also important to take note of as climate change and weather extremes become more prominent issues.

Net Internal Migration

The average net change in population caused by people migrating to and from this suburb, from and to other areas of Australia. Note that high levels of net internal migration reflects a hub for other Australians. Often this is caused, in part, by a regional to metropolitan migratory wave, for example when young people from regional areas move for university.

Net Overseas Migration

The average net change in population caused by people migrating to and from this suburb, from and to countries other than Australia. Note that large cities and metro hubs tend to have high rates of overseas migration, as new migrants often tend to move to places which are more convenient to access and have high levels of employment opportunities.

Night Time Safety

The proportion of people (aged 18 and over) who feel safe or very safe walking alone after dark. This is a modelled estimate from Torrens University based on responses from the General Social Survey. A higher sense of night time safety can contribute to a better quality of life, particularly for women.

Noise Score

Level of noise pollution in the area. A high value indicates a high level of noise pollution, which can negatively impact quality of life and potentially lead to health issues such as hearing loss and sleep disturbance.

Non-Family Assault

Total number of reported assaults involving non-family members. A high value indicates a higher risk of non-domestic violence in the area. Impacts people's feelings of safety in the area.

Number of People on Pensions in Postcode

The number of people receiving Age Pension payments provided by Centrelink. The pension is paid to people over the qualifying age of 67 years if the value of their income and assets is under the threshold specified by Centrelink. High-pension receiving areas often have older populations and less capital to develop housing.

Overseas Born Parents

The proportion of people who reported that both of their parents were born overseas on the 2021 Australian Census. This is largely a reflection of an area's diversity.

Parkland Proportion

The proportion of parkland, including parks, nature reserves, protected or conserved areas, sporting facilities, and stadiums, as a percentage of the total land area. More parkland allows for residents to engage in more outdoor recreation and exercise, and can often facilitate strong community ties by acting as a meeting place.

People in Suburb Within Walking Distance of Public Transport

Proportion of people within walking distance to Public transport

Personal Income Less Than $300 Per Week

The proportion of people who reported that they had a total personal income less than $300 per week (before tax deductions) from all sources on the 10th of August for the 2021 Australian Census. It is important to note that on this date, Victoria was in lockdown, whilst NSW and ACT would follow in the next fortnight. People in this scenario will have no money for property upkeep or mortgage repayments.

Persons per Bedroom

The average number of residents for each bedroom in a home as of the 10th of August for the 2021 Australian Census. This is often high in communities with low socioeconomic status, and is often low for regions with lots of elderly people and empty nesters. This value can also be a good indicator of overcrowding in the area, as well as a measure of the strain on housing supply (for example, a high value could reflect a prevalence of individuals in their 20s still living at home).

Proportion Blue Collar Workers

The proportion of people (aged 15 and over) who reported that they work as blue collar workers, including technicians and trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers, for their main job in the week prior to the 10th of August for the 2021 Australian Census. If there is too large a blue collar worker proportion in a region, this can be an indicator that the area is over-reliant on 1 or 2 core labour-based industries, for example, mining.

Proportion Speaking Only English

The proportion of people who reported that they do not use a language other than English at home on the 10th of August for the 2021 Australian Census. A high proportion can indicate a less diverse area, or an area where migrants are less connected to their home country and mother tongue.

Proportion White Collar Workers

The proportion of people (aged 15 and over) who reported that they work as white collar workers, including managers, professionals, community and personal service workers, clerical and administrative workers, and sales workers, for their main job in the week prior to the 10th of August for the 2021 Australian Census.

Proportion of Days with Comfortable Humidity

The frequency of days with optimal humidity levels. A high value indicates a comfortable living environment with reduced risk of respiratory issues, while a low value may cause discomfort and health problems.

Proportion of Days with Nice Temperatures

The percentage of days with comfortable temperatures. A high value indicates a desirable climate for outdoor activities and living.

Proportion of Unemployed People

The propotion of the population above 15 who do not have a job, but are actively looking for work. A high value indicates a higher number of individuals in the suburb who are currently unemployed and receiving government assistance for jobseekers. This may suggest a weaker job market in the area, and serves as a reflection of the demand for labour. High rates of unemployment are fine in the short term; this reflects the cyclical economic conditions which rise and fall. However, if an area has a continually high rate of unemployment over-time, then this is more concerning, as it speaks to a potentially underskilled population whose talents do not match those demanded by the region. This can lead to entrenched disadvantage.

Proportion of Unemployed People

The propotion of the population above 15 who do not have a job, but are actively looking for work. A high value indicates a higher number of individuals in the suburb who are currently unemployed and receiving government assistance for jobseekers. This may suggest a weaker job market in the area, and serves as a reflection of the demand for labour. High rates of unemployment are fine in the short term; this reflects the cyclical economic conditions which rise and fall. However, if an area has a continually high rate of unemployment over-time, then this is more concerning, as it speaks to a potentially underskilled population whose talents do not match those demanded by the region. This can lead to entrenched disadvantage.

Public Housing

The proportion of social housing dwellings as of the 10th of August for the 2021 Australian Census. This includes public housing, community housing, and Indigenous community housing provided by states and territories. High amounts of public housing have been shown to limit the capital growth potential of an area.

Publically Accessible EV Chargers in Suburb

The total number of electric vehicle chargers which the public can access in a suburb.

Relgious Beliefs

The breakdown of the most believed in religions within the area, including atheism.

Resident Retention Index

An index that represents the long-term viability and attractiveness of a suburb. It is a metric which primarily looks at the number of a suburb's residents who have lived at their address for 5 years or more. The higher the resident retention score, the more likely it is that people are choosing to stay in the suburb long-term. The score reflects in part people's confidence in the area and the community. Inherently, some areas which cater for younger demographics, such as areas near universities, will have lower resident retention indices.

Residential Density

The square metres of residential land per resident. This can be used as a metric for overcrowding; the greater the score, the more space people have, the less overcrowded the region. A low score can indicate overcrowding, but it can also indicate a dense population that supports lots of services and businesses.

Risk of Coastal Erosion

Coastal erosion prone areas are those where there is a relatively high likelihood of water and wind-induced erosion occuring in region. There are 3 important aspects to this. The first is a safety aspect; there is a greater degree of risk and danger associated with living in a area with high erosion risk, as your house may be less stucturally sound. The second aspect is that of development restrictions; when an area is at risk of erosion, often houses must be constructed in a certain manner, and from certain materials, in order to accomodate the higher risk. The final aspect is that of insurance; home insurance is more expensive for those dwellings which reside in an erosion prone area.

Safety Score

An indicator of the levels of crime or danger in a given area. A high safety score indicates a low likelihood of crime or danger, while a low safety score indicates a higher likelihood of crime or danger. Factors that contribute to a high safety score may include low crime rates, well-lit streets, and a visible police presence.

Speaks Poor English

The proportion of people who reported that they cannot speak English well or at all.

Top 3 Professions

The top 3 professions of employment in the region, calculated from the 2021 Census.

Top 5 Languages Spoken

The top 5 languages spoken in a region. Ethnic communities which speak more in their mother tongue often maintain a strong sense of community connection.

Top Industries of Employment

The top 3 industries of employment in the region, calculated from the 2021 Census.

Total Drug Offences

The rate at which the sum total of drug-related offences occur, which details all possessing, selling, dealing, trafficking, importing, manufacturing or cultivating illicit drugs. Towns can rapidly get overwhelmed my high rates of drug crime and usage, contributing to mental health issues and a lack of a feeling of safety.

Total Family Violence

The rate at which the sum total of violent crimes within a familial setting occur, including mistreatment, neglect, assault (physical, verbal, sexual, financial) and the breaching of a family violence order. Crimes of this nature often speak to lots of kinds of systemic disadvantage.

Total Violent Crime

The rate at which the sum total of violent criminal offences occur, which includes murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, harassment, abduction and kidnapping. This can tie directly to how safe people feel in an area.

Tranquility Score

The level of peacefulness and calmness in a suburb. A high Tranquility Score indicates a low level of noise pollution, low crime rates, and a lack of disruptive activities. It suggests a peaceful and serene environment.

Under Class Proportion

The proportion of residents who fall under the most disadvantaged socio-economic group, often facing poverty, limited opportunities, and social exclusion. When there is a growing underclass in a region, there is a greater dampening of property growth. However, it is important to note that the existence of a stable proportion of under class citizens does not prohibit growth opportunities.

Walk Commuters

The proportion of people (aged 15 and over) who reported that they walked the entire way or partly to commute to work.

Welfare Dependency Index

The proportion of residents receiving government welfare payments. A high value indicates a higher level of welfare dependency in the area, potentially impacting the local economy and social services. It is important to note the varying types of people which receive welfare, from unemployed people to disabled people. Also note that high rates of welfare dependency in a region can inadvertently create an income growth ceiling.

Welfare Dependent Families

The proportion of families, with children, who are low-income and financially dependent upon welfare payment. This is an important indicator of long-term entrenched disadvantage in a community. A high value can dampen capital growth in the area and lead to child behavioural issues.

Working Class Proportion

The socioeconomic group consisting of blue-collar labourers, usually with a relatively lower income and degree of socioeconomic advantage. If there is too large a working class proportion in a region, this can be an indicator that the area is over-reliant on 1 or 2 core labour-based industries, for example, mining.

Zone of The Property

The property zoning restricts and impacts how the properly may be developed and used.