Overall score
Kiama
69.7/100
Shellharbour
61.0/100
Kiama vs Shellharbour, NSW suburb comparison
Kiama for retirees and families; Shellharbour for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
KiamaShellharbour
Crime rate
Kiama
34.7 / 1k
Shellharbour
73.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Kiama
530
Shellharbour
182
Population
Kiama
7,904
Shellharbour
3,520
Metric leadKiama 8Shellharbour 3across 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 retireesKiama
- Best for familiesKiama
- Best for beach lifestyleKiama
- Best for investmentShellharbour
- Best for best valueShellharbour
- Best for best schoolsKiama
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 | Kiama | Shellharbour |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 69.7/100 | 61.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 36.8/100 | 62.5/100 |
| Crime rate | 34.7 / 1k | 73.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 4 |
| Parks & reserves | 13 | 10 |
| Public transport stops | 114 | 58 |
| Walkability | 100.0/100 | 75.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 530 | 182 |
| Planning activity | 66 | 13 |
| Population | 7,904 | 3,520 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 9/10 | 6/10 |
Comparison summary
Kiama reads as a coastal mid-sized suburb with an easy, sea-led rhythm; Shellharbour is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living.
On the data, Kiama is stronger for a quieter safety profile and parks and reserves; Shellharbour answers with housing affordability and a calmer planning outlook.
Kiama suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Shellharbour is the stronger match for investors and value-focused buyers.