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

According to ABS population updates and new address validations by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Ocean Shores has an estimated population of 6,093 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 316 people (5.5%) compared to the 2021 Census population of 5,777. The estimate is derived from the resident population of 6,043 calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS ERP release from June 2025, combined with 51 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level corresponds to a density of 474 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and potential for future expansion. The 5.5% growth rate in the suburb of Ocean Shores since the 2021 census was higher than the SA4 region (3.7%) and the Rest of NSW, making it a regional leader in growth. Population increases were mostly driven by overseas migration, which made up approximately 57.99999999999999% of total population gains, though natural growth and interstate migration were also positive contributors.

Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 base year are used by AreaSearch for SA2 areas. For SA2 areas without this data, AreaSearch uses the NSW State Government projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Projected growth rates by age group from these datasets are applied to all areas for the period 2032 to 2041. Based on these demographic projections, the suburb of Ocean Shores is expected to experience population growth above the median for non-metropolitan Australia, with an estimated increase of 884 persons to 2041, representing a total rise of 13.7% over the 16 years.

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

Analysis of ABS building approvals shows that the suburb of Ocean Shores has averaged about 18 new home approvals annually, with an estimated 90 homes approved over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26, 15 approvals have been documented so far. With an average of 3.8 people moving to the area for every new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, demand is outpacing supply, which generally increases competition and drives up prices, while new dwellings are being built at an average value of $591,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market. Furthermore, commercial development approvals total $4.4 million this financial year, highlighting that the area is primarily residential.

The rate of new dwelling approvals per person in the suburb of Ocean Shores is about half of the rate in the Rest of NSW, placing it in the 35th percentile of areas evaluated nationwide, which limits options for buyers and supports interest in established properties. This rate is also below the national average, reflecting the maturity of the area and suggesting planning limitations. Recent building activity consists of 78.0% standalone houses and 22.0% medium and high-density dwellings, which maintains the low-density character of the area through an emphasis on detached properties. The estimate of 480 people per approved dwelling highlights the quiet, low-activity building environment.

Population forecasts suggest the suburb of Ocean Shores will add 834 residents by 2041 based on the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. If current building rates do not change, housing supply may fail to keep up with population growth, which is likely to increase buyer competition and support property values.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and planning schemes significantly impact regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 3 projects expected to influence the area. The key initiatives include the Place Plan for New Brighton, South Golden Beach and Ocean Shores, Bayside Brunswick Heads (Wallum), Marshalls Creek Boardwalk, and Gulgan Village, with details provided on those most relevant to the community.

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

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The employment landscape in Ocean Shores shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

The suburb of Ocean Shores has a well-educated labor force with significant representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 4.9%, and an annual employment growth rate estimated at 2.1%. As of March 2026, there are 2,900 employed residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.8% higher than the Regional NSW rate of 4.1%, while workforce participation matches the Regional NSW average of 60.6%. Census data indicates that a high proportion of residents, 25.4%, worked from home, although this may have been influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.

The primary employment industries for residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. There is a high concentration of workers in professional & technical services, matching 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety is under-represented, employing only 3.7% of the workforce compared to 7.5% in Regional NSW. The comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests that local employment opportunities are limited.

According to analysis of SALM and ABS data for the year ending March 2026, local employment grew by 2.1% and the labor force expanded by 3.1%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point increase in unemployment. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment decrease by 0.9%, the labor force contract by 0.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 offer additional context on future demand, showing national employment expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these national industry projections to the local workforce mix suggests employment for residents could rise by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

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

ATO data for the financial year 2023 shows a median taxpayer income of $39,774 and an average income of $55,867 in the suburb of Ocean Shores. These figures are lower than the national average and compare to a median of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 in Regional NSW. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the financial year 2023, the estimated figures as of March 2026 are approximately $43,879 for the median and $61,632 for the average. Census data places household, family, and personal incomes in the suburb of Ocean Shores in the 30th to 34th percentiles. The largest bracket contains 35.6% of residents (2,169 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the broader region where 29.9% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability is a significant challenge, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 29th percentile, and the SEIFA income index ranks the area in the 5th decile.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in the suburb of Ocean Shores consisted of 83.8% detached houses and 16.3% other dwelling types such as apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership was recorded at 38.0%, matching the Regional NSW rate, while the remaining homes were either mortgaged (34.7%) or rented (27.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,893, which is higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $508, compared to $330 in Regional NSW. Nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Ocean Shores exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Families make up 66.0% of all households, consisting of couples with children (24.5%), couples without children (25.2%), and single parents (15.1%). The remaining 34.0% are non-family households, with single person households accounting for 25.8% and group households making up 8.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, matching the Regional NSW average.

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

Levels of educational qualification in the suburb of Ocean Shores are high, with 32.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 21.3% in the Rest of NSW and 24.3% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are held by 21.9% of the population, postgraduate qualifications by 6.2%, and graduate diplomas by 3.9%. Vocational qualifications are also common, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (14.2%) and certificates (24.3%).

Participation in education is high, with 29.7% of the population enrolled in study. This includes 9.8% of residents in primary school, 8.2% in high school, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

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

The suburb of Ocean Shores is served by 32 public transport stops, which are bus stops. These stops accommodate 27 distinct routes that provide a total of 242 passenger trips per week. Access to transit is favorable, with residents living an average of 284 meters from their nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers commute outside the locality, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 95%. Households own an average of 1.5 vehicles. A high proportion of residents, 25.4%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic restrictions.

The average frequency of service is 34 daily trips across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 7 passenger trips per week for each individual stop.

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

Health indicators show positive outcomes in the suburb of Ocean Shores, with low rates of common health conditions across both younger and older cohorts, though private health insurance coverage is relatively low at approximately 49% of the population (~2,989 people). This compares to 51.9% coverage across Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most common medical issues, affecting 8.5% and 8.1% of residents respectively. However, 70.6% of residents reported having no chronic health conditions, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Residents under 65 show favorable health outcomes. The proportion of residents aged 65 and over is 19.7% (1,200 people), which is lower than the Regional NSW average of 23.4%. Seniors in the area experience particularly good health outcomes, ranking higher than the general population relative to national benchmarks.

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

Cultural diversity in the suburb of Ocean Shores is comparable to the regional average, with citizens making up 86.3% of the population, 78.9% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation at 27.8%. There is a notable concentration of Jewish residents, who make up 1.8% of the population compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

The primary ancestries reported are English at 29.2%, Australian at 23.1% (which is lower than the regional average of 30.0%), and Irish at 11.2%. There are also higher proportions of certain other ancestries compared to the region, including French at 1.1% (versus 0.4% regionally), 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

The median age in the suburb of Ocean Shores is 42 years, which is close to the Regional NSW average of 43 years and older than the national median of 38 years. The 35 to 44 age bracket is highly represented at 16.8%, while the 15 to 24 cohort is smaller (8.8%) than in Regional NSW. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has risen from 14.2% to 16.8%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.9% to 6.1%, while the 55 to 64 group decreased from 14.5% to 12.4%. Projections for 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts, with the 35 to 44 cohort expected to grow by 23%, adding 230 people to reach 1,254, while declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 age groups.