Key differences
Crime rate /1k: Merton (23) is ahead of Hackney (79)
Transport: Hackney (54/100) is ahead of Merton (39/100)
Safety score: Merton (83/100) is ahead of Hackney (77/100)
Head-to-head comparison
The Verdict
Hackney has a stronger transport score — 54/100 vs 39/100. Merton is more affordable at £539k median vs £580k.
Hackney scores higher on transport, but Merton is the more affordable option.
Best for
Hackney
Hackney is the better pick for commuters prioritising fast central London access.
Best for
Merton
Merton suits families and those prioritising a low-crime neighbourhood.
Hackney vs Merton: what the data says
Overall, Hackney scores higher on liveability (69/100 vs 65/100), reflecting a better combined picture across safety, transport, schools and environment.
Property in Merton is more affordable — median price £539k vs £580k in Hackney, a difference of around 7%. Over the past year prices changed +20.4% in Hackney and +2.0% in Merton.
Merton has a lower crime rate (23 incidents per 1,000 residents vs 79 in Hackney). Central London boroughs typically show higher per-resident figures due to large daytime populations.
Hackney edges ahead on public transport connectivity (score 54/100 vs 39/100).
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