Key differences
Crime rate /1k: Hackney (127) is ahead of Islington (165)
Safety score: Hackney (67/100) is ahead of Islington (60/100)
Median price: Hackney (£580k) is ahead of Islington (£630k)
Head-to-head comparison
The Verdict
Hackney has a stronger safety score — 67/100 vs 60/100. Hackney is more affordable at £580k median vs £630k.
The areas are closely matched — the decision comes down to specific streets and personal priorities.
Best for
Hackney
Hackney suits families and those prioritising a low-crime neighbourhood.
Best for
Islington
Islington suits buyers drawn to the specific character and amenities of this area.
Hackney vs Islington: what the data says
Overall, Islington scores higher on liveability (66/100 vs 69/100), reflecting a better combined picture across safety, transport, schools and environment.
Property in Hackney is more affordable — median price £580k vs £630k in Islington, a difference of around 8%. Over the past year prices changed +1.1% in Hackney and -3.1% in Islington.
Hackney has a lower crime rate (127 incidents per 1,000 residents vs 165 in Islington). Central London boroughs typically show higher per-resident figures due to large daytime populations.
Islington edges ahead on public transport connectivity (score 57/100 vs 52/100).
Top-rated postcodes
Frequently asked questions
Compare any two London postcodes
The interactive tool lets you compare any two specific postcodes — not just boroughs — with a full metric-by-metric breakdown.
Open postcode comparison tool →