Key differences
Crime rate /1k: Waltham Forest (81) is ahead of Hackney (127)
Transport: Hackney (52/100) is ahead of Waltham Forest (37/100)
Safety score: Waltham Forest (76/100) is ahead of Hackney (67/100)
Head-to-head comparison
The Verdict
Hackney has a stronger transport score — 52/100 vs 37/100. Waltham Forest is more affordable at £525k median vs £580k.
Hackney scores higher on transport, but Waltham Forest is the more affordable option.
Best for
Hackney
Hackney is the better pick for commuters prioritising fast central London access.
Best for
Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest suits families and those prioritising a low-crime neighbourhood.
Hackney vs Waltham Forest: what the data says
Overall, Hackney scores higher on liveability (66/100 vs 62/100), reflecting a better combined picture across safety, transport, schools and environment.
Property in Waltham Forest is more affordable — median price £525k vs £580k in Hackney, a difference of around 9%. Over the past year prices changed +1.1% in Hackney and +0.2% in Waltham Forest.
Waltham Forest has a lower crime rate (81 incidents per 1,000 residents vs 127 in Hackney). Central London boroughs typically show higher per-resident figures due to large daytime populations.
Hackney edges ahead on public transport connectivity (score 52/100 vs 37/100).
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 →