Overall score
Nelson Bay
44.9/100
Shoal Bay
48.6/100
Nelson Bay vs Shoal Bay, NSW Suburb Comparison
Nelson Bay for schools; Shoal Bay for retirees and 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
62
Shoal Bay
76
Population
Nelson Bay
6,141
Shoal Bay
1,815
Metric leadNelson Bay 4Shoal Bay 63 tiedacross 13 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesShoal Bay
- 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 | 44.9/100 | 48.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 42.3/100 | 42.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 70.0 / 1k | 70.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Weather (desirability) | 60.5/100 | 60.5/100 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 3 |
| Public transport stops | 122 | 36 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 61.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 62 | 76 |
| Planning activity | 77 | 20 |
| Green cover | 4.9% | 38.0% |
| 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, public transport access, and overall desirability, while Shoal Bay stands out for parks and reserves, walkability, and nearby cafés and amenities.
Households prioritising schools may find Nelson Bay the better fit, while people chasing a beach lifestyle are more likely to prefer Shoal Bay.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.