Research only. Not financial advice. Data: Q1 2025 indicative estimates from public sources. Verify independently.
Karratha offers a materially higher gross yield (6.9% vs 3.7%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Karratha achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Wagga Wagga requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even.
Research context only. Not financial advice. Both markets carry distinct risks specific to their location, employment base, and economic profile. Read the individual suburb research pages before drawing conclusions. All policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation.
| Metric | Karratha WA · #10 | Wagga Wagga NSW · #15 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 6.9% | 3.7% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.2% | 1% |
| Median Price | $490k | $800k |
| Weekly Rent | $650/wk | $570/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | +$8,320 | $-11,960 |
| Cashflow | Positive | Negative |
| Rent Growth 12m | +5% | +5.8% |
| Price Growth 12m | +7% | +7.2% |
| NG Dependence | None | High |
| Discovery Status | Emerging | Unknown |
| Population | 17k | 65k |
| Cycle Stage | Mid | Early |
| Policy Impact | ▲ STRONG UPGRADE | ▼ DOWNGRADED |
| Signal Score | 63 / Tier 1 | 57 / Tier 3 |
$650/wk rent at $490k is one of the best risk-adjusted yield profiles in Australia for a town with genuine long-term employment. Woodside's Pluto LNG trains are 30+ year assets. Cashflow positive by $8,320/yr pre-cost. High income residents make for reliable tenants.
Wagga Wagga is inland NSW's largest city and a significant ADF base — Kapooka (Army Recruit Training Centre) and RAAF Base Wagga. Charles Sturt University and Wagga Wagga Base Hospital underpin a diversified employment base. At $800k median with $570/wk rent, the gross yield of 3.7% produces clearly negative cashflow at standard LVR. The investment case is employment stability, tight vacancy, and long-term capital growth — not income.
CoreLogic WA Q1 2025 · REIWA Karratha median Q4 2024 · SQM Research · Woodside investor presentation 2024 · Pilbara Regional Council housing report 2024
Data vintage: Q1 2025
realestate.com.au Wagga Wagga median house Jun 2025–May 2026. Data quality: imported.
Data vintage: 2026
The interactive tool lets you add up to 4 suburbs for a full side-by-side breakdown with score components.
Research only. Not financial advice. Data vintage Q1 2025 (indicative estimates from public sources). Verify all metrics independently with local property managers and licensed advisers before making any investment decision. All negative gearing and budget policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation. Consult a registered tax adviser for personal tax position.