Overall score
Shellharbour
61.0/100
Warilla
59.7/100
Shellharbour vs Warilla, NSW suburb comparison
Shellharbour for retirees and families; Warilla for investment and value.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ShellharbourWarilla
Crime rate
Shellharbour
73.8 / 1k
Warilla
80.2 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Shellharbour
182
Warilla
136
Population
Shellharbour
3,520
Warilla
6,226
Metric leadShellharbour 5Warilla 6across 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 retireesShellharbour
- Best for familiesShellharbour
- Best for beach lifestyleShellharbour
- Best for investmentWarilla
- Best for best valueWarilla
- Best for best schoolsShellharbour
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 | Shellharbour | Warilla |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 61.0/100 | 59.7/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 62.5/100 | 71.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 73.8 / 1k | 80.2 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 8 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 12 |
| Public transport stops | 58 | 100 |
| Walkability | 75.0/100 | 90.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 182 | 136 |
| Planning activity | 13 | 19 |
| Population | 3,520 | 6,226 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 1/10 |
Comparison summary
Shellharbour is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living, while Warilla is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap. Where Shellharbour is shaped by the coast, Warilla offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Shellharbour tends to lead on nearby cafés and amenities and overall desirability, while Warilla stands out for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. On housing, Shellharbour sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Warilla.
Shellharbour suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Warilla is the stronger match for investors.