Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of February 2026, Ocean Grove's population is estimated at around 21,162. This reflects a growth of 3,448 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,714. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 18,327 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 503 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,143 persons per square kilometer, which is comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ocean Grove's population growth of 19.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the Rest of Vic.'s growth rate of 8.1% and the national average. This growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Ocean Grove is predicted to experience exceptional growth over the period, placing it in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to increase by 9,293 persons, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 30.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Ocean Grove among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Ocean Grove recorded around 239 residential properties approved per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 1,197 homes. By FY-26, 64 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $653,000, targeting the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $1.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Ocean Grove's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Ocean Grove records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 82nd percentile nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence. New development consists of 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Ocean Grove's suburban character while offering more diverse housing options due to decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. With around 125 people per approval, Ocean Grove is developing steadily. Population forecasts indicate Ocean Grove will gain 6,458 residents by 2041, supporting current development trends without extreme price pressure.

Population forecasts indicate Ocean Grove will gain 6,458 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Ocean Grove has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Kingston Ocean Grove Estate, Ti-Tree Village Redevelopment, 61 Powell Street Townhouses, and 57-59 The Parade Apartments. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Ocean Grove demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Ocean Grove has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 9,659 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is at 66.3%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, 28.4% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area has a notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.7% versus the regional average of 7.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 0.7% and employment decreased by 0.8%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Ocean Grove's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Ocean Grove had a median income among taxpayers of $53,217. The average income stood at $71,739. This is higher than the national average and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Ocean Grove would be approximately $57,607 (median) and $77,657 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Ocean Grove cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 31.1% of the population (6,581 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen regionally where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Ocean Grove is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Ocean Grove, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ocean Grove stood at 42.3%, similar to Regional Vic., with mortgaged dwellings at 38.5% and rented ones at 19.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Ocean Grove was $420, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Ocean Grove's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Ocean Grove has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 74.7% of all households, including 32.5% couples with children, 32.7% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up 25.3%, consisting of 23.1% lone person households and 2.2% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in Ocean Grove is notable, with 34.1% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications compared to the broader benchmarks of 21.7% in Rest of Vic. and 28.6% in SA4 region. This educational advantage is evident by October 2021 data. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 35.8% of residents holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (14.0%) and certificates (21.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents enrolled in formal education as of October 2021. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ocean Grove has 56 active public transport stops. These are served by 7 different routes, offering a total of 716 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated good, with residents on average being located 369 meters from their nearest stop. Most journeys made in the area are outward-bound commutes, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, it was found that 28.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 102 trips per day, equating to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Ocean Grove's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows Ocean Grove's health metrics perform strongly. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover was high at approximately 55%, covering around 11,675 people, compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5%. Common medical conditions included asthma (8.8%) and mental health issues (8.7%), with 67.2% of residents reporting no ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes for the working-age population were typical. The area had 22.3% residents aged 65 and over (4,719 people), lower than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Senior health outcomes were above average, broadly in line with national rankings.

Ocean Grove is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Ocean Grove, according to a study, had lower cultural diversity with 88.1% of its residents born in Australia and 93.0% being citizens. English was the language spoken at home by 96.5% of the population. Christianity was the predominant religion, followed by Judaism which, though small at 0.1%, was slightly higher than the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (31.1%), Australian (29.6%), and Irish (12.0%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.4% compared to 8.8% regionally, Dutch at 1.9% versus 1.7%, and Welsh at 0.7% against 0.4%.

Ocean Grove hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Ocean Grove has a median age of 43, matching Regional Victoria's figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. Among its age groups, those aged 35-44 are most prominent at 14.9%, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 9.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.0% to 10.5%, and the 35-44 group has increased from 13.6% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 13.2% to 11.5%, and the 5-14 age group has fallen from 14.4% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Ocean Grove's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 44%, adding 1,187 people and reaching a total of 3,875 from the current figure of 2,687.