Willoughby Council Score: 57/100 — What Residents Should Know
Willoughby scores 57/100 overall, with its strongest performance in Community Services (76/100). Ranked #8 of 34 metropolitan councils in NSW.
Willoughby records a composite score of 57/100 (solid), ranking 10th of 34 in its metro peer group and 40th of 128 across NSW. It sits in the upper half of NSW's metro councils, serving around 80k residents in a metropolitan area.On Financial Sustainability, Willoughby posts 53/100 (solid). That roughly matches the metro peer average of 52 and roughly matches 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 76/100 for Willoughby, rated strong. That stands well above the metro peer average of 51 and stands well above 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 — 58/100 — reads as solid. That sits modestly above the metro peer average of 51 and sits modestly above 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, Willoughby lands on 40/100, a developing result. That trails the metro peer average of 52 and trails 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
Willoughby's strongest showing is on Community Services (76) and Lifestyle & Amenity (58). Practically, strong community services translate into more reliable libraries, maternal health, aged support and community programs — a real day-to-day benefit for families and older residents. 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, weaker financial sustainability often shows up over time as sharper rates increases, deferred renewals, or borrowing to cover recurrent costs. And a low core operations score is often felt through slower planning approvals, patchier road maintenance, and rougher waste and customer service experiences. The weakest dimensions here — Financial Sustainability (53) and Core Operations (40) — are the areas most likely to shape resident complaints and future rates decisions.Score Breakdown
| Dimension | Score | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Sustainability | 53/100 | solid |
| Community Services | 76/100 | strong |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 58/100 | solid |
| Core Operations | 40/100 | developing |
| Composite | 57/100 | solid |
Related Councils: willoughby