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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Ocean Grove's population is estimated at around 21,124 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,410 people (19.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,714 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,327, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 479 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,141 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ocean Grove's 19.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (7.9%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally, is predicted over the period with the Ocean Grove statistical area (Lv2) expected to increase by 9,475 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 33.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Between FY-21 and FY-25, Ocean Grove recorded approximately 239 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling around 1,196 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 59 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 1.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years. This suggests a balanced supply and demand in the market, with stable conditions.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes was around $653,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, $1.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Comparatively, Ocean Grove records about three-quarters the building activity per person when measured against Rest of Vic., and it places among the 82nd percentile of areas assessed nationally. This suggests strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of approximately 76.0% detached houses and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature while offering more diverse housing options to attract buyers seeking space.

This represents a notable shift from the existing housing stock, which is currently around 94.0% houses. Ocean Grove reflects a developing area, with approximately 125 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Ocean Grove will gain about 7,073 residents through to 2041, according to 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 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Kingston Ocean Grove Estate, Ti-Tree Village Redevelopment, 61 Powell Street Townhouses, and 57-59 The Parade Apartments. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Ocean Grove has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate stands at 1.8%, indicating relative employment stability over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

In comparison to Rest of Vic., Ocean Grove has an unemployment rate that is 1.9% lower (3.8%), with workforce participation at 61.5%. The primary industries for residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, employment in education & training is at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows a lower representation of 0.7% compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the past year, Ocean Grove's labour force decreased by 0.2%, while employment fell by 0.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.7% and labour force contracted by 0.6%. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Ocean Grove's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

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 and an average income of $71,739. These figures are higher than national averages of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively in Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for median income would be approximately $57,607 and average income would be around $77,657 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Ocean Grove cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.1% of Ocean Grove's population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is similar to regional levels at 30.3%. 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Ocean Grove, as per the latest Census, 93.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.5% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is similar to Non-Metro Vic., which had 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ocean Grove stood at 42.3%, mirroring Non-Metro Vic.'s rate. Of the remaining dwellings, 38.5% were mortgaged and 19.2% were rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Ocean Grove was $420, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $402. Nationally, Ocean Grove's mortgage repayments exceeded 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Vic.

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 notably high, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications as of the latest data. This compares to 21.7% in Rest of Vic. and 28.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 14.0% and certificates for 21.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest figures. 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that collectively facilitate 716 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically living 369 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 102 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately twelve weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Ocean Grove are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Ocean Grove, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~11,654 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.8 and 8.7% of residents respectively, while 67.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.8% across Rest of Vic.. As of 2016, the area has 22.5% of residents aged 65 and over (4,752 people), which is lower than the 24.2% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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, surveyed in the year 2016, had a population where 88.1% were born in Australia, 93.0% held citizenship, and 96.5% spoke English exclusively at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.7% of the population as of 2016. While Judaism's representation was similar to that of Victoria overall (0.1%), there were notable differences in ancestry groups: English comprised 31.1%, Australian 29.6%, and Irish 12.0%.

Scottish ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 9.4% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Similarly, Dutch ancestry stood at 1.9% versus 1.8% regionally, and Welsh ancestry was recorded at 0.7% compared to 0.6% across Victoria.

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

Ocean Grove has a median age of 43, which is equal to that of the Rest of Vic and higher than the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 are particularly prominent at 14.5%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 8.9% compared to the Rest of Vic. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.0% to 10.5%, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 6.2% to 7.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.8%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 14.4% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Ocean Grove's age structure. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 1,300 people and reaching a total of 4,363 from the current 3,062.