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

The estimated population of Ocean Shores is around 6,155 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 378 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,777 people. The growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,018 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 479 persons per square kilometer. Ocean Shores' growth rate of 6.5% since the 2021 Census exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.1%) and the Rest of NSW, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 58% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, 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, the suburb is expected to grow by 984 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 13.8% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Ocean Shores has seen around 19 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 97 homes were approved, with an additional 12 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of 4.7 new residents per year for every home built during this period, indicating that supply is substantially lagging demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average value of new homes being built is $591,000, suggesting that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In terms of commercial approvals, $4.4 million has been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character. Comparatively, Ocean Shores has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person relative to the Rest of NSW. Nationally, it places among the 49th percentile of areas assessed, implying more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

This is lower than the national average, indicating market maturity and potential development constraints. New building activity in Ocean Shores shows that 71.0% of dwellings are detached, while 29.0% are townhouses or apartments. This preserves the area's low-density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 334 people per dwelling approval, further confirming a low density market. Looking ahead, Ocean Shores is projected to grow by 847 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the area.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects expected to influence the region: Place Plan for New Brighton, South Golden Beach and Ocean Shores, Bayside Brunswick Heads (Wallum), Marshalls Creek Boardwalk, Gulgan Village. The following list focuses on 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 an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.5% as of December 2025. This rate is 0.6% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Regional NSW at 61.3%. According to Census responses, 25.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, professional & technical services have a high concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety has limited presence with 3.7% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 0.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. 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 simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Ocean Shores' median income is $39,774 and average income is $55,867. Nationally, the median is higher at $51,112 with an average of $71,450. Regionally in NSW, median income is $52,390 and average is $65,215. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $43,298 (median) and $60,817 (average), based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Ocean Shores' incomes rank modestly, between the 30th and 34th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows 35.6% earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,191 residents), similar to regional patterns where 29.9% fall in this range. Housing affordability is severe with only 80.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 29th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Ocean Shores, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.8% houses and 16.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ocean Shores was at 38.0%, similar to Regional NSW, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (34.7%) or rented (27.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,893, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent was recorded at $508, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Ocean Shores's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,893, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 Regional NSW average.

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 level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 32.0% holding university qualifications compared to the broader benchmarks of 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 24.3% in the SA4 region. This advantage is largely due to Bachelor degrees, which are held by 21.9% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.2%, and graduate diplomas at 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 high in the area, 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 area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 284 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 95% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 25.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 34 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Ocean Shores. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~3,020 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were mental health issues (8.5%) and arthritis (8.1%). 70.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,181 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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 its wider region's average, with 86.3% of residents being citizens and 78.9% born in Australia. English is spoken at home by 90.0%. Christianity dominates religious affiliation at 27.8%, but Judaism is overrepresented at 1.8% compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.

Ancestry-wise, English (29.2%) and Australian (23.1%) are dominant, though the latter is lower than the regional average of 30.0%. Irish ancestry stands at 11.2%. Notably, French ancestry is overrepresented at 1.1% versus 0.4%, Russian at 0.6% versus 0.2%, and Spanish at 0.6% versus 0.3%.

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

Ocean Shores's median age is 42 years, similar to Regional NSW's average of 43 but considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 are particularly prominent at 16.8%, while the 15-24 group is smaller at 8.8% compared to Regional NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 14.2% to 16.8%, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 4.9% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 14.5% to 12.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Ocean Shores. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 24%, adding 245 residents to reach 1,280. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts.