Ocean Reef

An assessment of population growth drivers in Ocean Reef reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The estimated population of the suburb of Ocean Reef is around 8,797 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 672 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,125 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,789 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,672 persons per square kilometer. Ocean Reef's growth rate of 8.3% since census positions it within 1.6 percentage points of the national average (9.9%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 85.0% 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 and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Demographic trends project an above median population growth for Australian statistical areas, with Ocean Reef expected to grow by 1,151 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 13.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Ocean Reef recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Ocean Reef had approximately 14 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 72 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, 8.6 new residents were associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $823,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, $10.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Perth, Ocean Reef has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 21st percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction in Ocean Reef consists of standalone homes, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 759 people per dwelling approval, Ocean Reef reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 1,143 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Ocean Reef has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Ocean Reef Primary School Expansion, Ocean Reef Marina Redevelopment, and Ocean Reef Marina. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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The exceptional employment performance in Ocean Reef places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Ocean Reef has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Perth's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.5%, based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 5,146 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate similar to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Only 11.6% of residents worked from home, according to Census responses. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training sectors. Construction shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has lower representation at 3.0%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.5% alongside labour force growth of 3.4%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. This contrasts with Greater Perth where employment grew by 2.9% and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Ocean Reef's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 1 July 2023, Ocean Reef had a median taxpayer income of $58,121 and an average income of $74,792. Nationally, the median was $60,748 and the average was $80,248. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median would be approximately $63,712 and the average $81,987, based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since July 2023. The 2021 Census ranked Ocean Reef's household incomes at the 90th percentile, equivalent to $2,480 weekly. Income analysis shows that 28.7% of residents (2,524 individuals) earned between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to the regional figure of 32.0%. Notably, 40.9% earn over $3,000 weekly, indicating affluence that supports premium retail and services. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Ocean Reef's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.9% houses and 4.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ocean Reef stood at 42.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.7% and rented ones at 12.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,253, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Ocean Reef was $525, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Ocean Reef's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,253 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Ocean Reef features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 85.9% of all households, including 45.1% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.1%, consisting of 12.4% lone person households and 1.8% group households. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Tertiary education reaches 28.9 percent of residents aged fifteen plus in Ocean Reef. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 20.5 percent, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.7 percent and graduate diplomas at 2.7 percent. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.0 percent of residents aged fifteen plus holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 13.1 percent and certificates at 24.9 percent.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7 percent of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2 percent in secondary education, 9.4 percent in primary education, and 5.3 percent pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ocean Reef has 46 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 738 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically residing 227 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Ocean Reef being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 81%, while 13% use trains for their commutes. On average, there are 2.0 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 105 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Ocean Reef's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Ocean Reef's health outcomes data shows excellent results, as assessed by AreaSearch. The prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups is very low.

Approximately 57% (~5,004 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Perth's 59.0%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.8 and 6.4% of residents respectively. 72.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 20.7% (1,820 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Ocean Reef was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ocean Reef's population shows higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 10.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 44.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ocean Reef, accounting for 52.9%. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, comprising 0.1% versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.6%), Australian (19.1%), and Irish (9.1%). Notably, South African (2.3%), Welsh (1.1%), and French (0.9%) ethnicities have higher representation in Ocean Reef compared to regional averages.

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

Ocean Reef's median age stands at 44, surpassing Greater Perth's figure of 37 and significantly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group constitutes 15.2%, outpacing Greater Perth, while the 25-34 cohort comprises only 6.7%. Post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.4% to 6.4%, and the 15 to 24 group increased from 13.7% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 16.0% to 13.9%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 7.8% to 6.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant shifts in Ocean Reef's age profile. Leading this change, the 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 84%, reaching 1,035 people from 563. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 65% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.