Sydney

Sydney is one of NSW's top-performing councils, ranking 1st of 128 and strongest on community services.

"Australia's global city — the Harbour, the Opera House, and the beating heart of the nation"

New South Wales · metro council · Pop. 275,000

Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high

Overall Score

74 out of 100

#1 of 34 metro councils in NSW

#1 in New South Wales

Score Breakdown

CategoryScore
Sustainability67/100
Community Services86/100
Lifestyle & Amenity61/100
Core Operations81/100

What This Means For You

Among metropolitan councils, Sydney performs strongest in community services (better than 86% of peers). Performance in lifestyle and amenity investment is moderate at the 61th percentile among peers.

What Makes This Place Unique

Australia's global city — the Harbour, the Opera House, and the beating heart of the nation

The City of Sydney covers the CBD, Surry Hills, Redfern, Glebe, Pyrmont, and surrounding inner-city areas. It's where Australia meets the world — dense, cosmopolitan, and constantly evolving. The nightlife, dining, and cultural infrastructure are unmatched nationally.

Known For

  • Sydney Harbour and Opera House
  • Surry Hills and Redfern dining and creative precincts
  • Darling Harbour and Barangaroo waterfront
  • Major university campuses — Sydney, UTS, Notre Dame

Living Here

Living in the City of Sydney means having everything at your doorstep — but at a premium. Apartments dominate, noise is constant, and parking is a luxury. Best for those who thrive on urban intensity.

Hidden Gem

Jubilee Park in Glebe — a peaceful harbourside park with city skyline views that most tourists never find.