Willoughby Suburb Guide 2025
- Willoughby is located in Sydney's Lower North Shore, 11.1km from the CBD, with a median house price of approx. $3.6M and a median unit price of approx. $1.5M.
- 15.3% of residents are of Chinese ancestry (ABS Census 2021), with a total population of 7,124 — a well-established Chinese community in Northern Sydney.
- The top local school, Willoughby Girls High School, scores 80.18/100 on AU Guide, with 189 Distinguished Achievers in the 2025 HSC.
- Crime rate of 1,558 per 100,000 (BOCSAR 2025), well below the NSW state average of 6,635 — classified as very safe.
- 3-bedroom house rent is approx. $1,200/week; 2-bedroom unit rent is approx. $750/week.
Willoughby is a leafy residential suburb on Sydney's Lower North Shore, approximately 11.1km north of the CBD. According to the ABS Census 2021, the suburb has a total population of 7,124, with 15.3% identifying as being of Chinese ancestry — roughly three times Sydney's average of 5%. The median house price sits at approx. $3.6M, more than double the Sydney median of approx. $1.5M, while units come in at approx. $1.5M. Willoughby's crime rate stands at just 1,558 per 100,000 residents (BOCSAR 2025), making it one of the safest suburbs in NSW. The suburb is home to Willoughby Girls High School, a government girls' school with an AU Guide Score of 80.18/100. While Willoughby does not have its own train station, driving to the CBD takes approx. 20 minutes and public transit takes approx. 44 minutes. Neighbouring Chatswood, just minutes away, provides major transport, retail, and education infrastructure.
Willoughby — Key Facts
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Median House Price | approx. $3.6M |
| Median Unit Price | approx. $1.5M |
| Chinese Population | 15.3% (ABS 2021) |
| Crime Rate | 1,558 per 100K (BOCSAR 2025) |
| Distance to CBD | Approx. 11.1km (approx. 20 min drive) |
| Train Station | No (nearest in Chatswood) |
Local schools: Willoughby Girls High School | Nearby: Chatswood High School | St Pius X College | Mercy Catholic College
Community and Demographics
According to the ABS Census 2021, Willoughby has a total population of 7,124 within an area of 1.63 square kilometres, giving it a population density of approximately 4,377 people per square kilometre. The Chinese-ancestry population stands at 15.3% (1,088 residents), placing Willoughby well above Sydney's average of roughly 5%. This positions Willoughby within the top 13% of Sydney suburbs by Chinese population proportion.
Willoughby sits in the heart of Sydney's Northern suburbs, bordered by Castlecrag to the north, Artarmon to the south, and Naremburn to the west. The neighbouring suburb of Chatswood serves as the primary commercial hub for the area, offering a wide range of Asian supermarkets, restaurants, and community services. Willoughby itself retains a quieter, more residential character, with local shops and cafes along its main streets.
The suburb has a well-established multicultural character, making it a natural fit for Chinese-Australian families seeking a neighbourhood with cultural familiarity while being close to one of Sydney's largest Asian commercial precincts. The combination of low crime, proximity to Chatswood, and a sizeable Chinese community creates an environment where families can find cultural amenities without the density and noise of a major commercial centre.
Schools and Education
Willoughby is home to one secondary school and is within easy reach of several well-performing schools in neighbouring Chatswood. The education options range from government to independent and Catholic, covering both single-sex and co-educational models.
- Type: Government girls' school, Year 7-12
- 2025 HSC: DA 189 students, All-Round 3 students, Top Achievers 2 students
- AU Guide Score: 80.18/100 (scoring method)
Willoughby Girls High School is the suburb's own secondary school and delivers strong academic performance, scoring in the top tier with 80.18/100 on the AU Guide scale. With 189 Distinguished Achievers in the 2025 HSC, it demonstrates consistent results across subjects. As a single-sex government school, it offers a no-cost option for families seeking academically focused girls' education on the North Shore.
Nearby Schools in Chatswood
- Type: Partially Selective co-ed, Year 7-12
- 2025 HSC: DA 368 students, All-Round 8 students, Top Achievers 2 students
- AU Guide Score: 86.60/100 (scoring method)
Chatswood High School is one of the highest-performing partially selective schools in Sydney's north, with an AU Guide Score of 86.60/100. Its 368 Distinguished Achievers in 2025 is a standout figure, reflecting its selective stream alongside the comprehensive intake. Families in Willoughby are well-placed to access this school given the short distance to Chatswood.
- Type: Independent boys' school, Year 5-12
- 2025 HSC: DA 113 students, All-Round 4 students, Top Achievers 2 students
- AU Guide Score: 77.82/100 (scoring method)
St Pius X College offers an independent boys' education option in nearby Chatswood, with good academic performance at 77.82/100 on AU Guide. With 113 Distinguished Achievers, the school provides a solid alternative for families seeking a boys-only environment.
- Type: Catholic girls' school, Year 7-12
- 2025 HSC: DA 149 students, All-Round 1 student, Top Achievers 2 students
- AU Guide Score: 77.79/100 (scoring method)
Mercy Catholic College in Chatswood rounds out the girls' school options with a Catholic ethos and solid results, scoring 77.79/100 on AU Guide. Its 149 Distinguished Achievers in the 2025 HSC place it alongside St Pius X in terms of academic strength.
Together, these four schools give Willoughby families a diverse range of secondary education options — government, independent, and Catholic — all scoring between 77 and 87 on AU Guide, indicating good to strong academic performance across the board. For more school rankings, see the AU Guide NSW school rankings.
Property and Rental Market
Willoughby is a premium property market, with median prices well above the Sydney average. The median house price stands at approx. $3.6M, more than double Sydney's overall median of approx. $1.5M. This places Willoughby in the top 5% of Sydney suburbs by house price. The median unit price is approx. $1.5M, ranking in the top 3% of Sydney suburbs by unit price.
The suburb's premium pricing reflects its North Shore location, proximity to the CBD, low crime, and access to quality schools. Willoughby attracts families willing to pay a significant premium for the combination of safety, education, and suburban amenity that it offers.
On the rental side, Willoughby commands the following weekly rents:
- 2-bedroom unit: approx. $750/week
- 3-bedroom house: approx. $1,200/week
These rental figures make Willoughby a relatively expensive suburb for renters as well. A 2-bedroom unit at approx. $750/week provides an entry point for smaller households or those wanting to experience the suburb before committing to purchase. The 3-bedroom house rental at approx. $1,200/week is typical for established North Shore suburbs and reflects the strong demand for family-sized homes in a safe, well-connected area.
Note: 10-year house and unit price growth data is not available for Willoughby in the current dataset. Rental data for 2-bedroom houses and 3-bedroom units is also not available.
Safety and Transport
According to BOCSAR 2025 data, Willoughby's crime rate is 1,558 incidents per 100,000 residents, with 111 recorded incidents. This is well below half of the NSW state average of 6,635 per 100,000, placing Willoughby firmly in the "very safe" category. For families with children, this level of safety is a significant draw and one of Willoughby's strongest selling points.
Transport-wise, Willoughby sits approximately 11.1km from the Sydney CBD. Driving takes approx. 20 minutes under normal conditions, while public transit takes approx. 44 minutes. The suburb does not have its own train station; the nearest major station is in Chatswood. Residents typically drive or take buses to reach Chatswood station or travel directly to the CBD by bus.
Summary: Who Is This Suburb For?
Willoughby is well suited for:
- Chinese-Australian families seeking a safe, established neighbourhood with a 15.3% Chinese community and easy access to Chatswood's Asian amenities.
- Families prioritising girls' education, with Willoughby Girls High School scoring 80.18/100 on AU Guide in the suburb itself.
- Buyers with a budget of $3.6M+ (houses) or $1.5M+ (units) who want a quiet, leafy suburb within 20 minutes' drive of the CBD.
- Safety-conscious families — the crime rate of 1,558 per 100,000 is among the lowest in NSW.
Willoughby may not suit:
- Families on a tighter budget — both house and unit prices are well above Sydney's median.
- Those who depend on a train station within walking distance — the nearest station is in Chatswood.
- Buyers seeking strong capital growth data — 10-year growth figures are not available for this suburb.
Willoughby offers a premium North Shore lifestyle in a very safe, family-oriented suburb with a sizeable Chinese community, solid local schooling, and proximity to the major hub of Chatswood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median house price in Willoughby?
The median house price in Willoughby is approx. $3.6M, which is more than double the Sydney median of approx. $1.5M. The median unit price is approx. $1.5M. Willoughby ranks in the top 5% of Sydney suburbs by house price.
Is Willoughby safe?
Willoughby is very safe. According to BOCSAR 2025, the crime rate is 1,558 per 100,000 residents, which is less than a quarter of the NSW state average of 6,635. There were 111 recorded incidents in the reporting period.
What schools are near Willoughby?
Willoughby is home to Willoughby Girls High School (AU Guide Score 80.18/100). Nearby in Chatswood: Chatswood High School (86.60/100), St Pius X College (77.82/100), and Mercy Catholic College (77.79/100).
What is the Chinese population in Willoughby?
According to ABS Census 2021, 15.3% of Willoughby's population (1,088 out of 7,124 residents) identifies as being of Chinese ancestry. This is roughly three times Sydney's average of 5%, reflecting a well-established Chinese community.
How much is rent in Willoughby?
Weekly rents in Willoughby are approx. $750 for a 2-bedroom unit and approx. $1,200 for a 3-bedroom house. These figures are consistent with other premium North Shore suburbs.
How far is Willoughby from the Sydney CBD?
Willoughby is approximately 11.1km from the Sydney CBD. Driving takes approx. 20 minutes and public transit takes approx. 44 minutes. The suburb does not have its own train station; the nearest is in Chatswood.