Ocean Shores

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Ocean Shores statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,128. This reflects an increase of 351 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,777. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,018 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 476 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. The Ocean Shores (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 6.1% between the 2021 Census and November 2025, which exceeded both the SA4 region's growth rate of 3.9% and the non-metro area's growth during this period. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains.

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 NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. The Ocean Shores (SA2) is expected to grow by 1,022 persons to the year 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.4% over these 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Ocean Shores when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Ocean Shores has seen approximately 21 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 105 homes were approved, with 11 more in FY-26 so far. This results in about 4.2 new residents per year for each home built during this period.

Supply is lagging demand, suggesting heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $591,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, $4.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of NSW, Ocean Shores has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 55th percentile nationally.

This suggests market maturity and possible development constraints. Current building activity shows 70.0% detached dwellings and 30.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more compact options. The location has approximately 286 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. By 2041, Ocean Shores is projected to grow by 947 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Ocean Shores has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely impacting the region: Place Plan for New Brighton, South Golden Beach and Ocean Shores; Bayside Brunswick Heads (Wallum); Marshalls Creek Boardwalk; Gulgan Village. The following details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Ocean Shores remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Ocean Shores has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 2,925 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical services with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

However, public administration & safety has limited presence with only 3.7% employment compared to the regional average of 7.5%. There appears to be limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.1%, while employment declined by 1.5% in Ocean Shores, causing unemployment to fall by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ocean Shores' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Ocean Shores is $39,774 and average income is $55,867. This is lower than national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, based on an 8.86% increase in wages since June 2023, estimated median income would be approximately $43,298 and average income $60,817. Ocean Shores ranks modestly in terms of household, family, and personal incomes, between the 30th and 34th percentiles according to census data. Income distribution shows that 35.6% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, reflecting regional patterns where 29.9% fall into this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 29th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Ocean Shores is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Ocean Shores' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.8% houses and 16.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ocean Shores stood at 38.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.7% and rented dwellings at 27.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,893, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. Median weekly rent in Ocean Shores was $508, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Ocean Shores' mortgage repayments were higher at $1,893 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $508 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 66.0% of all households, including 24.5% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.0%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 8.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of NSW.

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

Ocean Shores has a notably high educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 32.0% holding university qualifications compared to the broader benchmarks of 21.3% in Rest of NSW and 24.3% in the SA4 region. This advantage is evident in various degrees: Bachelor degrees lead at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.5% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (14.2%) and certificates (24.3%). Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.8% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ocean Shores has 32 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 27 different routes that together offer 242 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents on average being located 284 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 34 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Ocean Shores is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Ocean Shores shows superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence rates for common health conditions. The area has approximately 49% private health cover, lower than the rest of NSW's 51.7%, and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.5% and 8.1% of residents respectively.

About 70.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the rest of NSW's 68.0%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.3%, compared to 23.6% in the rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are notably better than those of the general population.

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' cultural diversity aligns with the broader area's average, with 86.3% of residents being citizens, 78.9% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ocean Shores, accounting for 27.8% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Rest of NSW, making up 1.8% versus 0.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (29.2%), Australian (23.1%), and Irish (11.2%). Other ethnic groups with notable differences include French (1.1% vs regional 0.9%), Russian (0.6% vs 0.3%), and Spanish (0.6% vs 0.5%).

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

Ocean Shores's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 and considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 are particularly prominent at 16.6%, while the 15-24 group is comparatively smaller at 8.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.2% to 16.6% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.5% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Ocean Shores. The 35 to 44 age group is projected to grow by 27%, adding 276 residents to reach 1,294. Conversely, numbers in the 55 to 64 age range are expected to fall by 18%.