Barrack Heights vs Shellharbour
The verdict
Barrack Heights is more affordable, with a median house price of $882K versus $1.40M in Shellharbour. Shellharbour rates higher for education (43 vs 34). Barrack Heights has a shorter estimated CBD commute (217 vs 220 min).
Scores
| Barrack Heights | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 60 | 63 |
| Transport | 60 | 63 |
| Education | 34 | 43 |
| Liveability | 82 | 79 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Barrack Heights | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,003 | 3,520 |
| Median age | 41 | 46 |
| Median household income (wk) | $1,340 | $1,596 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 17.0% | 27.7% |
| Born in Australia | 75.6% | 81.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.5 |
Growth: Barrack Heights Stable · Shellharbour High Growth
Property
| Barrack Heights | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $882K | $1.40M |
| Median unit price | $696K | $861K |
| House price YoY | 5.7% | 4.3% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $720 | $800 |
| Rental yield (house) | 4.1% | 3.5% |
| Days on market (house) | 47 | 36 |
Median price history
Safety
| Barrack Heights | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 50 | 53 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 200 | 284 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 200 | 199 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 683 | 369 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 5,231 | 7,926 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Barrack Heights | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 3 | 3 |
| Government | 2 | 1 |
| Independent | 1 | 1 |
| Average ICSEA | 921 | 1,025 |
See the full school list on each profile: Barrack Heights · Shellharbour
Transport
| Barrack Heights | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 60 | 63 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 49 | 32 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 217 | 220 |
| Nearest train station (km) | 3.2 km | 2.3 km |
Liveability
| Barrack Heights | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 25.0°C | 25.0°C |
| Winter max temp | 17.5°C | 17.5°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 1,250 | 1,250 |
| Supermarkets | 0 | 0 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 0 | 11 |
| Parks | 10 | 10 |
| Playgrounds | 9 | 7 |
| Swimming pools | 1 | 2 |
| Medical GPs | 1 | 0 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 1.3 km | 640 m |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 83.3 km | 84.4 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | 1.4 km | 940 m |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 1.4 km | 2.9 km |
Population & growth
| Barrack Heights | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 6,003 | 3,520 |
| Estimated 2025 | 6,069 | 3,808 |
| Projected 2041 | 6,476 | 6,503 |
| Annual growth rate | 0.27% | 1.99% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Barrack Heights or Shellharbour?
Shellharbour has the higher residential safety score (Barrack Heights 50/100 vs Shellharbour 53/100).
Which is more affordable, Barrack Heights or Shellharbour?
Barrack Heights is more affordable, with a median house price of $882K versus $1.40M.
Which has better schools, Barrack Heights or Shellharbour?
Shellharbour has a higher average school ICSEA (Barrack Heights 921 vs Shellharbour 1025; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Barrack Heights or Shellharbour?
Shellharbour has the higher transport score (Barrack Heights 60/100 vs Shellharbour 63/100).
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