Shell Cove vs Shellharbour
The verdict
Shellharbour is more affordable, with a median house price of $1.40M versus $1.46M in Shell Cove. Shell Cove rates higher for education (50 vs 43). Shellharbour rates higher for liveability (79 vs 60). Shellharbour has a shorter estimated CBD commute (220 vs 226 min). On the separate residential safety score, Shell Cove rates higher (73 vs 53/100 in Shellharbour).
Scores
| Shell Cove | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 54 | 63 |
| Transport | 52 | 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 | $1.46M | $1.40M |
| Median unit price | $1.25M | $861K |
| House price YoY | 4.3% | 4.3% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | $800 | $800 |
| Rental yield (house) | 2.7% | 3.5% |
| Days on market (house) | 56 | 36 |
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) | 2,872 | 7,926 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Shell Cove | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 2 | 3 |
| Government | 2 | 1 |
| Independent | 0 | 1 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,049 | 1,025 |
See the full school list on each profile: Shell Cove · Shellharbour
Transport
| Shell Cove | Shellharbour | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 52 | 63 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 29 | 32 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | 226 | 220 |
| 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 $1.40M versus $1.46M.
Which has better schools, Shell Cove or Shellharbour?
Shell Cove has a higher average school ICSEA (Shell Cove 1049 vs Shellharbour 1025; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Shell Cove or Shellharbour?
Shellharbour has the higher transport score (Shell Cove 52/100 vs Shellharbour 63/100).
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