Overall score
Dunmore
35.5/100
Shell Cove
59.2/100
Dunmore for families and schools; Shell Cove for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Dunmore
35.5/100
Shell Cove
59.2/100
Crime rate
Dunmore
73.1 / 1k
Shell Cove
73.9 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Dunmore
1
Shell Cove
166
Population
Dunmore
318
Shell Cove
7,591
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Dunmore | Shell Cove |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 35.5/100 | 59.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 60.8/100 | 69.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 73.1 / 1k | 73.9 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 3 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 20 |
| Public transport stops | 26 | 56 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 84.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 1 | 166 |
| Planning activity | 7 | 42 |
| Population | 318 | 7,591 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Put side by side, Dunmore is a well-connected metro smaller community with a familiar suburban feel, and Shell Cove is a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Where Shell Cove is shaped by the coast, Dunmore offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Dunmore is stronger for schools and education options and a calmer planning outlook; Shell Cove answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile.
Choose Dunmore if you are weighing families and households prioritising schools; lean toward Shell Cove for retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle.