Overall score
Shellharbour
61.0/100
Wollongong
69.5/100
Shellharbour vs Wollongong, NSW suburb comparison
Shellharbour for value; Wollongong for families and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
ShellharbourWollongong
Crime rate
Shellharbour
73.8 / 1k
Wollongong
154.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Shellharbour
182
Wollongong
657
Population
Shellharbour
3,520
Wollongong
20,446
Metric leadShellharbour 3Wollongong 8across 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 familiesWollongong
- Best for beach lifestyleWollongong
- Best for best valueShellharbour
- Best for best schoolsWollongong
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 | Wollongong |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 61.0/100 | 69.5/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 62.5/100 | 42.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 73.8 / 1k | 154.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 4 | 9 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | 13 |
| Public transport stops | 58 | 192 |
| Walkability | 75.0/100 | 100.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 182 | 657 |
| Planning activity | 13 | 65 |
| Population | 3,520 | 20,446 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 6/10 | 8/10 |
Comparison summary
Shellharbour is a coastal mid-sized suburb shaped by beach life and outdoor living, while Wollongong is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone. Shellharbour sits on a more distant stretch of coast, whereas Wollongong is firmly coastal.
On the data, Shellharbour is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Wollongong answers with schools and education options and parks and reserves.
Shellharbour suits value-focused buyers more clearly, whereas Wollongong is the stronger match for families and people chasing a beach lifestyle.