Shell Cove vs Shellharbour
The verdict
Shellharbour is more affordable, with a median house price of $1.30M versus $1.49M in Shell Cove. Shell Cove rates higher for education (50 vs 43). Shellharbour rates higher for liveability (79 vs 60). On the separate residential safety score, Shell Cove rates higher (73 vs 53/100 in Shellharbour).
Scores
| Shell Cove | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 54 | 63 |
| Transport | 51 | 63 |
| Education | 50 | 43 |
| Liveability | 60 | 79 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Shell Cove | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,591 | 3,520 |
| Median age | 40 | 46 |
| Median household income (wk) | $2,452 | $1,596 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 34.0% | 27.7% |
| Born in Australia | 80.3% | 81.1% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.5 |
Growth: Shell Cove High Growth · Shellharbour High Growth
Property
| Shell Cove | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $1.49M | $1.30M |
| Median unit price | $1.24M | $815K |
| House price YoY | 12.3% | -6.7% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $800 | $800 |
| Rental yield (house) | 2.8% | 3.4% |
| Days on market (house) | 35 | 28 |
Median price history
Safety
| Shell Cove | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 73 | 53 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 211 | 284 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 263 | 199 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 145 | 369 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 3,188 | 8,551 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Shell Cove | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 2 | 3 |
| Government | 2 | 1 |
| Independent | 0 | 1 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,054 | 1,028 |
See the full school list on each profile: Shell Cove · Shellharbour
Transport
| Shell Cove | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 51 | 63 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 29 | 32 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Nearest train station (km) | 2.2 km | 2.3 km |
Liveability
| Shell Cove | 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 | 2 | 0 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 6 | 11 |
| Parks | 21 | 10 |
| Playgrounds | 9 | 7 |
| Swimming pools | Data not available | 2 |
| Medical GPs | 1 | 0 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 530 m | 640 m |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 86.6 km | 84.4 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | 570 m | 940 m |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 5.1 km | 2.9 km |
Population & growth
| Shell Cove | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 7,591 | 3,520 |
| Estimated 2025 | 8,213 | 3,808 |
| Projected 2041 | 14,025 | 6,503 |
| Annual growth rate | 1.99% | 1.99% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Shell Cove or Shellharbour?
Shell Cove has the higher residential safety score (Shell Cove 73/100 vs Shellharbour 53/100).
Which is more affordable, Shell Cove or Shellharbour?
Shellharbour is more affordable, with a median house price of $1.30M versus $1.49M.
Which has better schools, Shell Cove or Shellharbour?
Shell Cove has a higher average school ICSEA (Shell Cove 1054 vs Shellharbour 1028; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Shell Cove or Shellharbour?
Shellharbour has the higher transport score (Shell Cove 51/100 vs Shellharbour 63/100).
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