Hornsby Council Score: 52/100 — What Residents Should Know
Hornsby scores 52/100 overall, with its strongest performance in Financial Sustainability (68/100). Ranked #16 of 34 metropolitan councils in NSW.
Hornsby records a composite score of 52/100 (solid), ranking 17th of 34 in its metro peer group and 61st of 128 across NSW. It sits in the upper half of NSW's metro councils, serving roughly 155k residents in a metropolitan area.On Financial Sustainability, Hornsby posts 68/100 (strong). That stands well above the metro peer average of 52 and stands well above the NSW state average of 51. It captures how well the council balances its books, manages debt, and funds future infrastructure without over-relying on rates increases.Community Services comes in at 34/100 for Hornsby, rated needs improvement. That lags well behind the metro peer average of 51 and lags well behind the NSW state average of 51. It captures the reach and quality of libraries, childcare, aged support, community centres, and grants that touch daily life.The council's Lifestyle & Amenity result — 54/100 — reads as solid. That roughly matches the metro peer average of 51 and roughly matches the NSW state average of 51. It captures parks, sportsgrounds, cultural venues, events, and the general liveability of the area relative to what residents pay.For Core Operations, Hornsby lands on 51/100, a solid result. That roughly matches the metro peer average of 52 and roughly matches the NSW state average of 51. It captures the essentials — roads, waste, planning approvals, and how efficiently the council runs its day-to-day services.
What This Means For Residents
Hornsby's strongest showing is on Financial Sustainability (68) and Lifestyle & Amenity (54). Practically, a stronger financial position tends to mean rates rises are less likely to be driven by budget shortfalls, and long-term infrastructure planning is better funded. Alongside that, strong lifestyle and amenity scores point to better-maintained parks, sportsgrounds and cultural venues, and generally a more liveable public realm.On the flip side, a low core operations score is often felt through slower planning approvals, patchier road maintenance, and rougher waste and customer service experiences. And a lower community services score usually means thinner program hours, fewer support staff, or gaps in facilities like libraries and community centres. The weakest dimensions here — Core Operations (51) and Community Services (34) — are the areas most likely to shape resident complaints and future rates decisions.Score Breakdown
| Dimension | Score | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Sustainability | 68/100 | strong |
| Community Services | 34/100 | needs improvement |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 54/100 | solid |
| Core Operations | 51/100 | solid |
| Composite | 52/100 | solid |
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