Every two years, Place Score conducts the Australian Liveability Census. It’s an Australian-wide survey with data mostly derived from an online survey aimed at understanding what people value in their neighbourhoods and how well their local areas are delivering on those values.
From the data, a liveability score (or place experience score) is calculated for local government areas (some local government areas may not receive a score if their response rate is low).
Place Score Census collects social data using a human-centric approach. It does not include objective factors such as crime statistics, health system data, or economic data.
Lane Cove Number One Most Liveable Community
With a place experience score of 80 out of 100, Lane Cove has topped the 2025 Australian Liveability Census. This score is well above the national and state averages of 66.
The census survey was completed by 585 Lane Cove locals who provided over 1500 responses.
The results of the census are benchmarked across nine themes: Character, Environmental Sustainability, Movement, Community, Housing and Development, Open Space, Economy, Management and Safety, Social Facilities and Services.
Lane Cove scored well above the state average in all nine areas.
Since the last time the survey was conducted in 2023, Lane Cove has maintained or improved scores across all nine themes, while, on average, liveability has decreased nationwide by 1%.
The Top Ten Liveable areas were:
Lane Cove Council
City of Vincent (WA)
Inner West Council
Surf Coast Shire Council (VIC)
City of Hobart
North Sydney Council
Willoughby City Council
Bayside Council (VIC)
Camden Council
City of Joondalup (WA)
Ku-ring-gai Council
Mayor Merri Southwood said the result is a testament to the strong partnership between Council and the community:
“This recognition belongs to our residents. Their feedback guides our priorities—from greener, safer streets to inclusive community spaces. We are proud of this achievement, but even more committed to protecting what we love and building our shared future here in Lane Cove.”
What Lane Cove Respondents Valued Most
Locals highlighted that their ideal neighbourhood is green, safe, welcoming and connected.
Top priorities included:
- Access to neighbourhood amenities, including cafés, shops, and health and wellness services.
- Well-maintained public spaces, footpaths, and parks.
- Local businesses that provide for daily needs.
- A strong sense of belonging and inclusion.
What Lane Cove Respondents Rated Highly
The following were rated highly:
Natural environment – scoring 8.8/10 for natural features, bushland and waterways.
Safety – personal safety was rated 8.7/10, significantly above the national average.
Neighbourhood character and village life – a vibrant mix of cultural events, parks, plazas and local identity.
Walking and cycling links
Consistent with Lane Cove Council’s Liveable Lane Cove Community Strategic Plan
These top priorities align with the Liveable Lane Cove Community Plan, developed by Lane Cove Council following workshops, phone interviews, online surveys, and interactive pop-ups in early 2025. The Community Strategic Plan notes:
“What our community loves about living in Lane Cove. During various consultations with members of the Lane Cove community, the following top 4 responses were provided by participants to describe the best things about living in Lane Cove:
1. Green areas and open spaces
2. Access to good services, facilities, shops and restaurants
3. Central and convenient location
4. Good sense of community
96% of residents are at least somewhat supportive of the vision ‘Lane Cove as a connected, inclusive, sustainable community’
The Lane Cove community stated they most valued the bushland and natural environment, parks and playgrounds, Lane Cove’s location and variety of community services and facilities available. Our community also places great importance on high standards of leadership, accountability and transparency from its Council.”
Challenges
Respondents also identified several challenges, including traffic congestion, housing affordability, and inadequate public transportation.
Net Promoter Score
The census also includes a Net Promoter Score (a score that measures customer loyalty by looking at their likelihood of recommending a given organisation). Lane Cove’s NPS was 64, compared to the national average of 12, showing that locals are proud of their neighbourhood and would recommend it to others as a place to live.
Difficult to Compare Councils and Rank Them
Numerous liveability indices have been published in Australia.
Not every local Council participates in or promotes the 2025 Liveability Census.
It’s challenging to compare local council areas with one another. A small suburb close to the CBD will score more highly than a council with both urban and rural areas.
Place Score acknowledges the limitations in an article on Liveability in Australia’s fastest-growing LGAs. They noted that high scores were seen in highly urbanised or established urban areas as distinct from less established LGAs.
The Australian Urban Observatory, another liveability index last published in 2021, noted that more established inner-city areas were generally more livable than the fringe areas of many urban areas due to their better access to public transport, employment opportunities, and services.
Place Score is also aware that the under-24s are the most underrepresented group in community engagement, as noted in a Facebook post promoting the 2025 Australian Livability Census.
Another Liveability Index using the same approach is published by .id informed decisions. Their findings differ from Place Score.
Informed Decisions noted in their report:
“In 2025, the Overall Liveability Index for Australia was 59.5 out of 100, a significant fall from 63.4 in 2024. This marked decline shows a shift in how Australians view the quality of life in their local areas, reflecting growing pressures across the nation.”
| Place Score National Liveability Index |
66 |
| .id Informed Decisions National Liveability Index |
59.5 |
But who needs an index to tell us we live in a beautiful, leafy location with access to bushland every 500 meters?
