Overall score
Barrack Point
37.8/100
Shell Cove
59.2/100
Barrack Point vs Shell Cove, NSW suburb comparison
Barrack Point for families and schools; Shell Cove for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Barrack PointShell Cove
Crime rate
Barrack Point
80.8 / 1k
Shell Cove
73.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Barrack Point
41
Shell Cove
166
Population
Barrack Point
725
Shell Cove
7,591
Metric leadBarrack Point 2Shell Cove 9across 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 familiesBarrack Point
- Best for beach lifestyleShell Cove
- Best for best valueShell Cove
- Best for best schoolsBarrack Point
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 Point | Shell Cove |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 37.8/100 | 59.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 68.4/100 | 69.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 80.8 / 1k | 73.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 5 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 20 |
| Public transport stops | 15 | 56 |
| Walkability | 22.5/100 | 84.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 41 | 166 |
| Planning activity | 2 | 42 |
| Population | 725 | 7,591 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 7/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Barrack Point reads as a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Shell Cove is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm.
Barrack Point tends to lead on a quieter safety profile, while Shell Cove stands out for housing affordability and parks and reserves.
On balance, retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Shell Cove, while Barrack Point remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.