Suburb profile · Rest of NSW
Ocean Shores has an estimated 6,088 residents, up 5.4% since the 2021 Census, with 59 projects tracked in the area around Ocean Shores.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Positioned 126 kilometres south-southeast from Brisbane CBD, the suburb of Ocean Shores is an appealing coastal enclave renowned for its pristine beaches, tranquil estuaries, rich marine biodiversity, and lush natural scenery dappled with abundant native flora and fauna. Cultivating a relaxed beach-town atmosphere, the area provides a peaceful lifestyle where locals and visitors partake in fishing, surfing, kayaking, and dining at welcoming cafes and restaurants, all while embracing a rich indigenous heritage supported by active cultural programs and local artisans. Underpinning this desirable coastal setting is strong demographic expansion; based on AreaSearch analysis of annual SA2-level Estimated Resident Population (ERP) counts and quarterly national address updates, the population of Ocean Shores is estimated at around 6,088 as of Aug 2026. This represents an increase of 311 people (5.4%) from the 5,777 residents recorded at the 2021 Census.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Positioned 126 kilometres south-southeast from Brisbane CBD, the suburb of Ocean Shores is an appealing coastal enclave renowned for its pristine beaches, tranquil estuaries, rich marine biodiversity, and lush natural scenery dappled with abundant native flora and fauna. Cultivating a relaxed beach-town atmosphere, the area provides a peaceful lifestyle where locals and visitors partake in fishing, surfing, kayaking, and dining at welcoming cafes and restaurants, all while embracing a rich indigenous heritage supported by active cultural programs and local artisans. Underpinning this desirable coastal setting is strong demographic expansion; based on AreaSearch analysis of annual SA2-level Estimated Resident Population (ERP) counts and quarterly national address updates, the population of Ocean Shores is estimated at around 6,088 as of Aug 2026. This represents an increase of 311 people (5.4%) from the 5,777 residents recorded at the 2021 Census.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 4,754 in 2006 and 6,050 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 6,088 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 35 to 44, 16.8%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 35.6%.
Ocean Shores ranks in the 92nd percentile nationally for infrastructure drivers and the 79th for education.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Ocean Shores is $900 a week, up 12.6% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 55% above Regional NSW. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 4.1%.
55% above Regional NSW on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $588 in 2017, $1,021 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $373 in 2017, $644 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Bulgoon Crescent, Ocean Shores NSW 2483 | $1,850,000 | 29 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 52 Yamble Drive, Ocean Shores NSW 2483 | $900,000 | 19 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 36 Natan Court, Ocean Shores NSW 2483 | $1,060,000 | 9 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 10 Kanandah Court, Ocean Shores NSW 2483 | $2,660,000 | 8 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 2521 Coolamon Scenic Drive, Ocean Shores NSW 2483 | $1,400,000 | 8 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 5 Warrambool Road, Ocean Shores NSW 2483 | $1,110,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 39 Bulgoon Crescent, Ocean Shores NSW 2483 | $970,000 | 25 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 6/2 Arika Avenue, Ocean Shores NSW 2483 | $655,000 | 24 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 21 Matong Drive, Ocean Shores NSW 2483 | $962,500 | 18 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 10/1 Langi Place, Ocean Shores NSW 2483 | $940,000 | 14 Sep 2026 | Unit |
The 10 most recent of the 49 residential sales recorded since 2 Apr 2026 (the latest settled 29 Oct 2026), newest first. The median of these 49, houses and units together, was $1,200,000 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to October 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $900 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +12.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 4.1% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $1.23m | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $1.01m | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $1,200,000 | Median of the 49 most recent residential sales, settled 2 Apr 2026 to 29 Oct 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $1,021 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +11.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $644 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +7.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 4.2% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Gross rental yield, units | 3.6% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Richmond Valley - Coastal | $837 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Richmond Valley - Coastal, over 12 months | +6.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Richmond - Tweed | $754 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Richmond - Tweed, over 12 months | +6.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional NSW | $580 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Regional NSW, over 12 months | +6.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 77 tracked applications: 10 approved, 21 under assessment, 46 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 59 projects in and around Ocean Shores, 15 of them under construction.
A 123-lot residential subdivision and 3 medium density sites across 30 hectares by Clarence Property. 60 percent of the site (18 hectares) will be protected as conservation zones. While the project received Development Approval, works are currently paused due to an interlocutory injunction and a Federal Court challenge by Save Wallum Inc.
Proposed affordable housing development on government-owned former rail corridor land near Mullumbimby Station. The project is a partnership between Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) and Byron Shire Council.
A collaborative mixed-use affordable housing development by Landcom and Byron Shire Council, proposing a two-storey building with around 32 affordable rental homes for workers on low to moderate incomes, a ground floor boarding house, and retail space.
Redevelopment of the remediated former hospital site into a diverse precinct featuring affordable housing, social housing, and community facilities. The project focuses on utilising flood-free land to address local housing shortages through a mix of dwelling types and building heights up to 11.5 metres.
Three-stage $5.3 million upgrade of Mullumbimby Road including road reconstruction, shoulder widening, intersection safety improvements, drainage upgrades, culvert works, new pavement, signage, guardrails and line marking. Stages 1 and 2 were completed during 2025, with the final stage commencing in February 2026 between Kings Creek Bridge and James Street.
Byron Shire Council's adopted 20-year place plan for New Brighton, South Golden Beach and Ocean Shores. The plan sets a vision and 24 actions across movement and accessibility, environmental protection, open space improvements, village character, community development and resilience.
The NSW Government is planning a new high school in Pottsville to meet the needs of the growing local community, part of a $2.1 billion investment in new and upgraded regional NSW schools. A site on Seabreeze Boulevarde, Pottsville has been identified and is earmarked for a high school in the Tweed Council Development Control Plan.
Formerly known as Pottsville Marketplace or Dunloe Park, Caldera is a major 78-hectare masterplanned village development. The project features a 13-hectare retail and commercial town centre anchored by a full-line Coles supermarket, 7000sqm of retail space, and 23 commercial lots. The residential component includes approximately 550 homesites.
Solis Pottsville is an exclusive collection of eight luxury villas designed for coastal living, featuring ocean and hinterland views, premium finishes, private lifts, and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces in harmony with the natural environment.
Twenty townhouses with two bedrooms, two living areas, front and rear courtyards, and basement parking for 45 vehicles will be built across five buildings, with existing structures on site demolished.
A new industrial land subdivision in Byron Bay by Hannas, offering 17 freehold industrial lots zoned IN2 Light Industrial. The lot sizes range from 1,447sqm to 12,893sqm, with a total area of 45,285sqm. The development is DA approved, with construction commencing in Q3 2025 and expected completion in Q1 2026.
Proposed industrial hub on the 18.6-hectare site of the former Sunnybrand poultry processing plant, to be subdivided into 24 large industrial lots. The developer is seeking to have the site rezoned from RU2 (rural landscape) to E4 General Industrial.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 24 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 3, 2026 10, 2027 5, 2028 3, 2029 1, 2030 2. 18 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 77 substantial development applications lodged in and around Ocean Shores over the past 5 years, 63 in the last 12 months; 21 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 1, 2022 3, 2023 4, 2024 5, 2025 1, 2026 (to Nov) 63.
Key application 82 Rajah Road, Ocean Shores Retail | $75k | 1 storey Approved
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 77 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 63 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 2.2 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 29th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 13 | ABS building approvals | 25th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 10 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 21 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
The long-run outlook for infrastructure is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Ocean Shores spans multiple sectors including Sports & Recreation, Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, and Residential Development, among others.
The suburb of Ocean Shores ranks in the top 10% nationally for infrastructure development, reflecting exceptional investment activity compared to similar areas across the country.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees Ocean Shores recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Ocean Shores area has seen 33 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Ocean Shores's current population of 6,088 has been supported by 13 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Ocean Shores has seen 2.2 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 5.7 approvals in Regional NSW. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 365 people in the suburb of Ocean Shores, compared to one for every 183 in Regional NSW.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Ocean Shores's approval levels have been below the yearly average of 13, indicating a recent decline in approval activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Ocean Shores has grown by approximately 351 people, while 65 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 5.4 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Population growth drivers in Ocean Shores are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,088 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +5.4% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Population density | 474 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +1.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +1.3% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 5,777 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 311 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +1.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +0.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 12.85 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Ocean Shores was estimated to be approximately 6,088 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 6,050 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of Ocean Shores has added approximately 311 people and shown a 5.38% increase from the 5,777 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Ocean Shores is estimated at 474 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Ocean Shores has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.3% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Ocean Shores is driven by: Overseas migration (57.99999999999999%), Natural increase (27.0%), Interstate migration (15.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains.
Ocean Shores hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 42 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 20.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 17.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 19.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 54.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 43 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 5.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 11.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 8.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 10.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 16.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 14.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 12.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 12.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 6.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 1.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Ocean Shores at 42 years as at August 2026. That is down from the 2021 Census figure of 43 years, with AreaSearch updating the age profile for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 42 years as at August 2026, Ocean Shores is comparable to the Regional NSW 2021 Census average (43 years) yet 4 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Ocean Shores compared to the Regional NSW region is the 35 - 44 group, making up 16.8% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Ocean Shores compared to the Regional NSW region is the 15 - 24 group, making up 8.7% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of Ocean Shores show significant variance compared to Regional NSW. The most over-represented age group is 35-44 year-olds (16.8% vs 12.1%). The most under-represented age group is 85+ year-olds (1.8% vs 2.9%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 17.0% of the population in the suburb of Ocean Shores as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 20.4% of the population in the suburb of Ocean Shores as at August 2026.
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $45,488 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 5th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $63,704 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,471 | 2021 Census, weekly | 34th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $711 | 2021 Census, weekly | 30th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 13.3% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,743 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 26.3% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Ocean Shores is approximately $48,390. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $45,488.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Ocean Shores is approximately $67,768. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $63,704.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Ocean Shores is approximately $48,390 compared to $59,289 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $45,488 and $55,733 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Ocean Shores is approximately $67,768 compared to $73,521 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $63,704 and $69,112 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Ocean Shores's households (~35.6% / 786 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Ocean Shores is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 35.6% of households. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Ocean Shores is $1,471/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Ocean Shores is $1,743/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Ocean Shores is $711/wk.
As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-24, the suburb of Ocean Shores's median income among taxpayers is $45,488, with an average of $63,704. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $55,733 and average of $69,112. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $48,390 (median) and $67,768 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Ocean Shores is $5,117 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of Ocean Shores's disposable income is $5,117 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Employment conditions in Ocean Shores remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 61.0% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 2,932 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 4,884 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 3,084 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Ocean Shores has approximately 2,932 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 4.9%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Ocean Shores stands at 4.9%, which is 0.8 percentage points above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Ocean Shores is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are health care & social assistance (19.0% of employment), education & training (10.9%), and construction (10.8%). Other significant employers include retail trade and accommodation & food.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Ocean Shores has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Ocean Shores is 61.0%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate leading the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Regional NSW.
The suburb of Ocean Shores shows notable specialisation in professional & technical, which employs 8.1% of the local workforce compared to 5.1% across Regional NSW. This concentration suggests the area has developed competitive advantages in this sector. The area also shows above-average employment in 2 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The suburb of Ocean Shores's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 7.7% growth, ranking 9th out of 37 regions nationally.
Ocean Shores shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 21.9% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 6.2% | 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 32.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 24.3% | 2021 Census | 47th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 3.9% | 2021 Census | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 14.2% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 29.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 29.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 4.2% | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 9.8% | 2021 Census | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 8.2% | 2021 Census | 56th percentile nationally |
32.0% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Ocean Shores have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Regional NSW.
29.5% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Ocean Shores have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% in Regional NSW.
The suburb of Ocean Shores ranks in the 79th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Ocean Shores are: Certificate (24.3%), Bachelor Degree (21.9%), Advanced Diploma (14.2%).
29.7% of the population in the suburb of Ocean Shores is currently engaged in formal education, including 9.8% in primary school, 8.2% in secondary school, 4.2% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Ocean Shores is 1041, indicating average socio-educational advantage (national average is 1000).
There are 1 schools within the suburb of Ocean Shores, with a combined enrollment of approximately 290 students.
The suburb of Ocean Shores includes 1 primary school.
Ocean Shores features high concentrations of group households and single parent families but relatively few family households, with an average household size in line with Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.4 people | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 25.8% | 2021 Census | 53rd percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 24.5% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 25.2% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 15.1% | 2021 Census | 89th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 8.1% | 2021 Census | 93rd percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 2,208 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 2,327 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 65.5% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.4 per family | 2021 Census | 23rd percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Ocean Shores had 2,208 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 5.4% to an estimated 2,327 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Ocean Shores is 2.4 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 65.5% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (25.8%), group households (8.1%), and other household types (0.5%).
Of the 1,446 family households, couples with children account for 24.5% of all households, couples without children at home 25.2%, and single parent families 15.1%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional NSW, the suburb of Ocean Shores shows distinct household patterns. The prevalence of shared households suggests a younger demographic or affordability considerations.
Families in the suburb of Ocean Shores have an average of 1.4 children, slightly below the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 34.7% of the adult population are currently married, while 43.3% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
Single-person households represent 25.8% of all households in the suburb of Ocean Shores, similar to the average for Regional NSW of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 8.1% of households, above the Regional NSW average of 3.3%. This higher rate points to more student or young professional shared accommodation.
In terms of cultural diversity, 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.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 21.1% | 2021 Census | 44th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 10.0% | 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 90.0% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 86.3% | 2021 Census | 48th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 78.9% | 2021 Census | 55th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 1.8% | 2021 Census | 58th percentile nationally |
Ocean Shores was found to be roughly in line with the national average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.3% of its population being citizens, 78.9% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home.
Christianity is the most commonly reported religion in Ocean Shores, at 27.8% of people, although more residents (66.3%) reported no religion. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 1.8% 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 Ocean Shores are English, comprising 29.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.1% of the population, which is notably lower than Regional NSW's 30.0%, and Irish, comprising 11.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.1% of Ocean Shores (vs 0.4% across Regional NSW), Russian at 0.6% (vs 0.2%) and Spanish at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).
21.1% of the suburb of Ocean Shores population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% across Regional NSW.
10.0% of the population in the suburb of Ocean Shores speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in Regional NSW.
1.8% of the suburb of Ocean Shores population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in Regional NSW.
86.3% of the suburb of Ocean Shores population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in Regional NSW.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Ocean Shores is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 27.3% | 2021 Census | 48th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 38.0% | 2021 Census | 64th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 83.8% | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,893 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 53rd percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 34.7% | 2021 Census | 49th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 9.5% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $508 | 2021 Census, weekly | 90th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 34.5% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 99th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 29.7% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 88th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Ocean Shores, 38.0% of homes are owned outright, 34.7% are owned with a mortgage, and 27.3% are rented.
According to the latest data, 83.8% of dwellings in the suburb of Ocean Shores are houses.
In the suburb of Ocean Shores, 6.8% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 9.5% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Ocean Shores stands at 38.0%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Ocean Shores is $1,893, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Ocean Shores is $1,257, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Ocean Shores, households with mortgages typically spend 29.7% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 34.5% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Ocean Shores is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Ocean Shores shows mortgage holders spending 29.7% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% in Regional NSW), while renters spend 34.5% of income on rent (vs 23.0% in Regional NSW).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Ocean Shores consists of 83.8% detached houses, 9.5% semi-detached dwellings, 6.8% apartments, and 0.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Ocean Shores consumes approximately 19.7% of median household income ($6,369 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Ocean Shores show attached dwellings contributing 12% of approvals compared to 16% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 88% of applications versus 84% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Density increases remain below national trends.
Ocean Shores's residents are extremely healthy relative to locations nationally with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 50.3% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 30th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 70.6% | 2021 Census | 57th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 4.6% | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 77.4% | 2021 Census | 59th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 1.2% | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
Around 50.3% of people in the suburb of Ocean Shores are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 52.2% in Regional NSW.
In the suburb of Ocean Shores, 4.6% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
6.4% of people in the suburb of Ocean Shores are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 2.3% of the suburb of Ocean Shores population, while in Regional NSW, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.4% of people in the suburb of Ocean Shores have heart disease. Across Regional NSW,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Ocean Shores, 50.3% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 52.2%.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 35 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 35th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 32 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 30th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 257 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 17th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 190 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 29 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.5 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 25.4% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 32 public transport stops within the suburb of Ocean Shores.
The suburb of Ocean Shores has 257 weekly trips across 29 routes, averaging 36 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 284 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 777 m away and the nearest GP 1.5 km.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 32 stops nearby, 257 weekly trips, access rating 35 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 53 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 53rd percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 777 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 1.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 1.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest pharmacy | 1.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 1.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 3.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 5.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 13.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 14.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 20.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 2 long day care centres with 127 places in Ocean Shores, about 2.5 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Ocean Shores is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Ocean Shores.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees Ocean Shores recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
Ocean Shores has exceptionally high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 8% nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Ocean Shores's resilient property market has recorded 113 sales in the 12 months to September 2026, comprising 97% residential and 3% vacant land transactions.
Population growth drivers in Ocean Shores are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
Ocean Shores hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average.
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data.
Employment conditions in Ocean Shores remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis.
Ocean Shores shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
Ocean Shores features high concentrations of group households and single parent families but relatively few family households, with an average household size in line with Regional NSW.
In terms of cultural diversity, 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.
Ocean Shores is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to Regional NSW.
Ocean Shores's residents are extremely healthy relative to locations nationally with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be in line with the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Ocean Shores has an estimated 6,088 residents, up 5.4% since the 2021 Census, with 59 projects tracked in the area around Ocean Shores.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Ocean Shores.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Oct 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to May 2026. Housing and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL13081). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (May 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, households, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Ocean Shores from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Ocean Shores with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
