Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores

Population growth drivers in Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, the population of Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores is around 9,855 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 685 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,170 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,596 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 127 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 181 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores's 7.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.1%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 58.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and interstate migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,628 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 13.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores has averaged around 38 new dwelling approvals annually, with 194 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 24 so far in FY-26. At an average of 3.7 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $362,000. Additionally, $5.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 58th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 254 people per dwelling approval, Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores shows a developing market.

Population forecasts indicate Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores will gain 1,369 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping a reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Bayside Brunswick Heads (Wallum), Marshalls Creek Boardwalk, Place Plan for New Brighton, South Golden Beach and Ocean Shores, and Mullumbimby Road Upgrade, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

While Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores retains a healthy unemployment rate of 4.0%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 4.0%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,748 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a high 26.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in the accommodation & food sector, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 3.5% versus the regional average of 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.2% while employment declined by 0.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, the labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to the employment mix of Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores SA2's median income among taxpayers is $44,245, with an average of $61,741. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,165 (median) and $67,211 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores, between the 32nd and 33rd percentiles. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 34.4% of locals (3,390 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.5% houses and 20.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores was in line with that of Regional NSW, at 38.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (30.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $498, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 63.6% of all households, comprising 23.3% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households comprising 8.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 32.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 21.3% in Rest of NSW and 24.3% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.8%) and certificates (23.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 59 active transport stops operating within Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 41 individual routes, collectively providing 380 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 262 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A high 26.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 54 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~4,907 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW, while the national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.0% and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 71.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,917 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.6% of its population being citizens, 79.5% born in Australia, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores is Christianity, which makes up 27.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 1.5% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores are English, comprising 29.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.1% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 30.0%, and Irish, comprising 11.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores (vs 0.4% regionally), Russian at 0.5% (vs 0.2%) and German at 4.5% (vs 3.1%).

Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 43, Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores is equal to the Regional NSW figure of 43 and well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 35 - 44 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.6%), while the 15 - 24 group is comparatively smaller (8.6%) than in Regional NSW. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.1% to 16.6% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.0% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 12.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.1% to 14.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in the age structure of Brunswick Heads - Ocean Shores. Leading the demographic shift, the 35 to 44 group will grow by 23% (377 people), reaching 2,018 from 1,640. Conversely, numbers in the 55 to 64 age range are expected to fall by 33.