Overall score
Barrack Heights
50.0/100
Shell Cove
59.2/100
Barrack Heights vs Shell Cove, NSW suburb comparison
Shell Cove for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Barrack HeightsShell Cove
Crime rate
Barrack Heights
80.0 / 1k
Shell Cove
73.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Barrack Heights
79
Shell Cove
166
Population
Barrack Heights
6,003
Shell Cove
7,591
Metric leadBarrack Heights 4Shell Cove 7across 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesShell Cove
- Best for beach lifestyleShell Cove
- Best for best valueShell Cove
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Barrack Heights | Shell Cove |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 50.0/100 | 59.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 71.3/100 | 69.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 80.0 / 1k | 73.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 8 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 20 |
| Public transport stops | 92 | 56 |
| Walkability | 36.0/100 | 84.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 79 | 166 |
| Planning activity | 15 | 42 |
| Population | 6,003 | 7,591 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 2/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Barrack Heights is a hills mid-sized suburb where tree cover and calm define the mood, and Shell Cove is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Where Shell Cove is shaped by the coast, Barrack Heights offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Barrack Heights tends to lead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, while Shell Cove stands out for parks and reserves and walkability. Barrack Heights generally means more approachable housing costs, while Shell Cove leans toward more sought-after housing.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Shell Cove, while Barrack Heights remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.