Overall score
Nelson Bay
42.2/100
Shoal Bay
38.5/100
Nelson Bay vs Shoal Bay, NSW suburb comparison
Nelson Bay for schools; Shoal Bay for beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Nelson BayShoal Bay
Crime rate
Nelson Bay
70.0 / 1k
Shoal Bay
70.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Nelson Bay
51
Shoal Bay
61
Population
Nelson Bay
6,141
Shoal Bay
1,815
Metric leadNelson Bay 5Shoal Bay 42 tiedacross 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 beach lifestyleShoal Bay
- Best for best schoolsNelson Bay
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 | Nelson Bay | Shoal Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 42.2/100 | 38.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 25.2/100 | 25.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 70.0 / 1k | 70.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 122 | 36 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 61.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 51 | 61 |
| Planning activity | 72 | 18 |
| Population | 6,141 | 1,815 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 3/10 |
Comparison summary
Nelson Bay reads as a beachside mid-sized suburb where the coast sets the tone; Shoal Bay is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm.
Nelson Bay tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and public transport access, while Shoal Bay stands out for parks and reserves and walkability. On housing, Nelson Bay sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Shoal Bay.
Households prioritising schools may find Nelson Bay the better fit, while people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Shoal Bay.