Hurstville vs Connells Point Comparison 2025
Hurstville and Connells Point sit just minutes apart in Sydney's southern suburbs, yet they offer starkly different living experiences. Hurstville, with a population of 31,162 and a median house price of approx. $2,150,000, is a bustling commercial hub where 47.1% of residents identify as Chinese (ABS Census 2021). Connells Point, by contrast, is a quiet residential pocket of 2,884 people, a 22.3% Chinese community, and a median house price of approx. $3,000,000. Hurstville's crime rate of 7,638 incidents per 100,000 residents sits above the NSW average of 6,635 per 100,000 (BOCSAR 2025), while Connells Point records just 1,560 per 100,000 — among the safest in the St George area. This comparison breaks down every key metric to help families decide which suburb best fits their priorities.
Quick Comparison
| Metric | Hurstville | Connells Point |
|---|---|---|
| Postcode | 2220 | 2221 |
| Population | 31,162 | 2,884 |
| Area | 4.23 km² | 1.03 km² |
| Population Density | 7,375/km² | 2,787/km² |
| Chinese Population | 14,691 (47.1%) | 643 (22.3%) |
| Median House Price | Approx. $2,150,000 | Approx. $3,000,000 |
| Median Unit Price | Approx. $755,000 | Approx. $867,000 |
| Crime Rate (per 100K) | 7,638 | 1,560 |
| Train Station | Yes | No |
| Drive to CBD | 30 min | 34 min |
| Transit to CBD | 33 min | 48 min |
| HSC Schools in Suburb | 3 | 0 |
Location and Transport
Hurstville is situated approx. 23.5 km south of the Sydney CBD. It is a major transport hub in the St George region, served by its own train station on the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line. Commuters can reach the CBD in approximately 33 minutes by public transit, or around 30 minutes by car. The suburb's central position and extensive bus network make it one of the best-connected suburbs in southern Sydney.
Connells Point sits approx. 22.7 km from the CBD, slightly closer as the crow flies but less well connected by public transport. There is no train station in Connells Point, and the nearest stations are at Hurstville or Oatley. Public transit to the CBD takes approximately 48 minutes — 15 minutes longer than from Hurstville. Driving takes around 34 minutes. For commuters who rely on trains, Hurstville holds a clear advantage.
Both suburbs are located within the Georges River local government area and fall in Sydney's southern corridor. Hurstville functions as a regional town centre with major roads including Forest Road and the Princes Highway, while Connells Point is largely residential with access via Connells Point Road leading to the surrounding suburbs of Blakehurst, Kyle Bay, and South Hurstville.
Property and Rental Comparison
There is a significant price gap between the two suburbs. Connells Point commands a premium of approx. $855,000 over Hurstville for houses, reflecting its quieter streets, larger lot sizes, and proximity to waterfront reserves along the Georges River.
| Property Type | Hurstville | Connells Point | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median House Price | Approx. $2,150,000 | Approx. $3,000,000 | +$850,000 |
| Median Unit Price | Approx. $755,000 | Approx. $867,000 | +$112,000 |
| House Price Percentile (NSW) | 75th | 90th | — |
| Unit Price Percentile (NSW) | 44th | 61st | — |
Hurstville's house prices sit at the 75th percentile statewide, making it an upper-mid-range suburb. Connells Point, at the 90th percentile, is firmly in premium territory. For units, Hurstville (44th percentile) offers much more affordable entry-level options compared to Connells Point (61st percentile).
The price gap reflects fundamental differences in housing stock. Hurstville's property market is dominated by apartment towers and medium-density development built to serve its large population, meaning buyers can enter the market at a lower price point. Connells Point, by contrast, is characterised by owner-occupied detached houses on generous blocks, many with views or walking access to Georges River foreshore reserves. The suburb has seen minimal high-density development, which helps preserve both its residential character and its premium price tag.
Rental Market
Rental availability differs between the two suburbs. Hurstville, as a larger commercial centre with numerous apartment buildings, offers a broader range of rental stock.
| Rental Type | Hurstville (per week) | Connells Point (per week) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom Unit | $750 | $720 |
| 3-Bedroom Unit | $878 | N/A |
| 2-Bedroom House | $670 | N/A |
| 3-Bedroom House | $840 | $900 |
Two-bedroom unit rents are comparable, with Hurstville at $750/week and Connells Point at $720/week (Domain 2025). For three-bedroom houses, Connells Point is higher at $900/week versus $840/week in Hurstville. Connells Point has limited rental data for some categories due to its smaller housing stock, which is predominantly owner-occupied detached houses.
For buyers on a budget, Hurstville's unit market provides a more accessible entry point. For families seeking a house, Connells Point's premium price reflects its quieter residential character and larger blocks, but Hurstville offers better value per dollar spent.
Safety Comparison
Safety is one of the starkest differences between these two suburbs. According to BOCSAR (Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research) 2025 data, Connells Point recorded just 45 incidents total, translating to a crime rate of 1,560 per 100,000 residents. This places Connells Point at the 8th safety percentile in NSW — meaning it is safer than 92% of NSW suburbs.
Hurstville, by contrast, recorded 2,380 incidents, or 7,638 per 100,000 residents. This is above the NSW state average of 6,635 per 100,000 (BOCSAR 2025). Hurstville's 73rd safety percentile reflects that it has higher crime rates than nearly three-quarters of NSW suburbs. As a major commercial centre, Hurstville's crime statistics include incidents occurring in its shopping precinct, train station precinct, and mixed-use areas — common for suburbs with significant commercial activity.
For families who prioritise safety above all else, Connells Point offers a dramatically quieter and more secure environment. Hurstville's higher rate is typical for commercial hubs and does not necessarily reflect the safety of its residential streets, but the data difference is substantial.
Education Comparison
Hurstville has three HSC-reporting secondary schools within its boundaries, while Connells Point has none. Families in Connells Point typically rely on schools in neighbouring suburbs including Blakehurst, Oatley, and Hurstville itself.
| School | Suburb | Sector | Gender | Years | DA Count (2025 HSC) | AU Guide Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethany College | Hurstville | Catholic | Girls | Year 7-12 | 190 | 86.5 (methodology) |
| Danebank - An Anglican School for Girls | Hurstville | Independent | Girls | K-12 | 95 | — |
| St George Christian School | Hurstville | Independent | Coed | K-12 | 68 | — |
| Blakehurst High School | Blakehurst | Government | Coed | Year 7-12 | 68 | — |
| Georges River College Oatley Senior Campus | Oatley | Government | Coed | Year 11-12 | 75 | — |
Schools in Hurstville
Bethany College is the standout school in the area, with an AU Guide score of 86.5 out of 100 and a 4-star rating. In the 2025 HSC, Bethany College recorded 190 Distinguished Achievers (DA), a DA ratio of 1.06 per HSC student — indicating strong academic outcomes. It is a Catholic girls' school serving Year 7 to 12, making it a strong option for families with daughters. For a detailed explanation of how AU Guide calculates school scores, see our HSC scoring methodology.
Danebank - An Anglican School for Girls is an independent K-12 girls' school, also in Hurstville. It recorded 95 DAs in the 2025 HSC with a DA ratio of 0.94. While it does not yet have an AU Guide composite score, its HSC performance indicates solid results.
St George Christian School is an independent co-educational school covering K-12, with 68 DAs in the 2025 HSC and a DA ratio of 1.0. It provides an option for families seeking a Christian educational environment for both boys and girls.
Schools Near Connells Point
With no secondary schools within its borders, Connells Point families typically access schools in neighbouring suburbs. Blakehurst High School, in nearby Blakehurst, is a government co-educational school for Year 7-12 that recorded 68 DAs in the 2025 HSC with a DA ratio of 0.50. It is the closest public high school option for Connells Point residents.
Georges River College Oatley Senior Campus in Oatley is a government co-educational senior campus covering Year 11-12 with 75 DAs. Students from the broader Georges River area feed into this campus for their final two years of schooling.
Overall, Hurstville has the edge in school choice and proximity. Families in Connells Point will need to travel to neighbouring suburbs for secondary education, though the distances are short — typically under 5 minutes by car.
Community and Demographics
The two suburbs differ markedly in community character. Hurstville is one of the largest Chinese communities in Sydney, with 14,691 Chinese residents making up 47.1% of the population (ABS Census 2021). This places it at the 100th percentile for Chinese population percentage in NSW — the highest concentration in the state. Hurstville's commercial centre reflects this demographic vividly: Forest Road and the nearby Westfield Hurstville shopping centre are lined with Chinese restaurants, Asian supermarkets, bubble tea shops, bakeries, and specialist food stores. The suburb also has a concentration of Chinese-speaking healthcare providers — GPs, dentists, pharmacies, and specialists — as well as Mandarin and Cantonese tutoring centres that cater to families preparing children for selective school entry exams. Weekend Chinese language schools and community associations further cement Hurstville's reputation as southern Sydney's cultural heart for the Chinese community.
Connells Point also has a notable Chinese community at 22.3% (643 residents), placing it at the 93rd percentile statewide. While significantly lower than Hurstville's concentration, this is still well above the NSW average. Connells Point's Chinese community members often access Hurstville's shops and services, benefiting from proximity without the density. The suburb itself has no commercial strip — residents rely on neighbouring areas for everyday shopping and services.
In terms of lifestyle, the contrast is clear. Hurstville is urban, dense (7,375 people per km²), and vibrant — a town centre with shopping malls, medical clinics, tutoring centres, and a constant buzz of activity. Connells Point is a low-density residential suburb (2,787 people per km²) characterised by tree-lined streets, proximity to waterfront parklands along the Georges River, and a peaceful atmosphere. The foreshore reserves at Connells Point — including the Oatley West and Kyle Bay area — offer kayaking, fishing, and bushwalking paths that are genuinely valued by families with active outdoor lifestyles. For those who want community infrastructure at their doorstep, Hurstville delivers. For those who want quiet streets and natural surrounds, Connells Point is the clear choice.
Verdict: Which Suburb for Which Family?
There is no universally "better" suburb here — the right choice depends on what your family values most.
Choose Hurstville if:
- Public transport matters. Hurstville's train station and 33-minute CBD commute is hard to beat in southern Sydney.
- School choice is a priority. Three HSC-reporting schools within the suburb, including the high-performing Bethany College (AU Guide score: 86.5), give families options without lengthy commutes.
- You want a strong Chinese community. At 47.1%, Hurstville offers the most established Chinese community services, shopping, and social networks in southern Sydney.
- Budget is a factor. With houses approx. $850,000 cheaper and units approx. $112,000 cheaper than Connells Point, Hurstville is significantly more affordable.
- You value convenience. Everything from groceries to medical services to tutoring is within walking distance of the town centre.
Choose Connells Point if:
- Safety is your top priority. A crime rate of 1,560 per 100,000 (vs. 7,638 in Hurstville) means Connells Point is dramatically safer by the statistics.
- You prefer a quiet residential environment. Low density, no commercial traffic, and waterfront proximity create a peaceful family setting.
- You have a larger budget. A median house price of approx. $3,000,000 reflects the premium character of this suburb.
- You drive to work. Without a train station, Connells Point suits car-dependent commuters. The 34-minute drive to the CBD is comparable to Hurstville.
- You still want access to Chinese community resources. At 22.3% Chinese and just minutes from Hurstville, you get the quiet lifestyle without losing access to community infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Connells Point safer than Hurstville?
Yes, significantly. Connells Point records a crime rate of 1,560 per 100,000 residents, which is well below the NSW average of 6,635 per 100,000. Hurstville's rate of 7,638 per 100,000 is above the state average (BOCSAR 2025). However, Hurstville's higher figure is partly attributed to its role as a commercial centre, which attracts higher volumes of recorded incidents compared to purely residential suburbs.
Does Connells Point have its own train station?
No, Connells Point does not have a train station. The nearest stations are Hurstville station (T4 line) and Oatley station, both a short drive away. Public transit from Connells Point to the CBD takes approximately 48 minutes, compared to 33 minutes from Hurstville.
Which suburb has better schools?
Hurstville has three HSC-reporting secondary schools within its boundaries, including Bethany College with an AU Guide score of 86.5. Connells Point has no secondary schools and relies on nearby options in Blakehurst and Oatley. For families prioritising walkable access to high-performing schools, Hurstville is the stronger choice.
How large is the Chinese community in each suburb?
Hurstville has one of the largest Chinese communities in NSW, with 14,691 residents (47.1% of the population) according to the ABS Census 2021. Connells Point has 643 Chinese residents, representing 22.3% of its population. Both suburbs have Chinese community representation well above the state average, with Hurstville ranking at the top (100th percentile) and Connells Point at the 93rd percentile for Chinese population percentage.
How much more expensive is Connells Point than Hurstville?
The median house price in Connells Point is approx. $3,000,000 compared to approx. $2,150,000 in Hurstville — a difference of roughly $850,000. For units, Connells Point's median is approx. $867,000 versus $755,000 in Hurstville. Connells Point houses sit at the 90th percentile statewide for price, while Hurstville houses are at the 75th percentile (Domain 2025).
Can Connells Point families easily access Hurstville's amenities?
Yes. Connells Point is directly adjacent to Hurstville, and the drive between the two suburbs takes only a few minutes. Many Connells Point families use Hurstville's shopping centres, restaurants, medical services, and train station regularly. This proximity is one of Connells Point's key advantages — access to a major commercial hub without living in one.
Which suburb is better for families who rely on public transport?
Hurstville is significantly better for public transport users. With its own train station on the T4 line, buses to surrounding suburbs, and a 33-minute transit commute to the CBD, Hurstville is a genuine transport hub. Connells Point has no train station and requires a bus connection to reach a station, resulting in a 48-minute transit time to the CBD.
What outdoor lifestyle does each suburb offer?
Hurstville offers urban conveniences — parks, sporting facilities, and easy access to the wider city by train — but lacks the natural waterfront setting of Connells Point. Connells Point's proximity to the Georges River foreshore gives residents access to kayaking, fishing, and bushwalking paths at Oatley West and Kyle Bay reserves. For families who prioritise outdoor recreation and a connection to nature, Connells Point's riverside setting is a major lifestyle advantage that its higher price point partly reflects.
Data Sources and References
- Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census 2021 — population, demographics, Chinese community data
- BOCSAR (Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research) 2025 — crime rates and incident data
- Domain 2025 — median property prices and rental data
- AU Guide NSW School Rankings — HSC performance data and school scores
- AU Guide HSC Scoring Methodology — explanation of school score calculation