Officer

Officer lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Officer is around 25,174 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 6,671 people (36.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,503 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 24,445, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 2,373 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 897 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 36.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to increase by 17,197 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 56.7% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Officer was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Officer has averaged approximately 648 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 3240 homes. So far in FY-26233 approvals have been recorded. On average, around two new residents arrive per new home constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting a balanced supply and demand dynamic that maintains stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties is approximately $394000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers.

In the current financial year, Officer has recorded around $124 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting steady investment activity in the area. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Officer exhibits 234% more construction activity per capita, providing ample choice for buyers although recent activity has somewhat eased. This high level of construction is significantly above the national average, indicating strong developer interest in the region. Recent construction comprises approximately 89% detached dwellings and 11% attached dwellings, preserving Officer's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. The area currently hosts around 37 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Officer is projected to gain approximately 14272 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, presenting favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond existing projections.

Officer 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 22 projects likely to impact the area. Major initiatives include Arcadia Estate, Officer Residential Development - Olio, Arbor Officer, and Officer Fields. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The labour market in Officer shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Officer has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, with estimated employment growth of 3.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 12,930 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.4% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Officer stands at 74.8%, exceeding Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Professional & technical services have a limited presence with 6.5% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 3.6%, while labour force grew by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. Meanwhile, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Officer. These projections estimate national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Officer's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years. However, it is important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Officer's median income among taxpayers was $59,350 with an average of $69,238. This is higher than the national average and compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $66,567 (median) and $77,657 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Officer's household, family and personal incomes cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 46.3% of residents (11,655 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, reflecting regional patterns where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 17.9% of income. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 71st percentile and Officer's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Officer is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Officer's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.8% houses and 5.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Officer was at 13.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.0% and rented ones at 28.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,866. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $396, compared to Melbourne metro's $361. Nationally, Officer's median monthly mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.9% of all households, including 44.9% couples with children, 23.5% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.1%, consisting of 15.8% lone person households and 2.2% group households. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.8.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 30.6% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 21.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials: advanced diplomas at 14.7% and certificates at 23.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.5% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education. The area has 15 schools serving 3,613 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1033) offering balanced educational opportunities. It includes 7 primary, 2 secondary, and 6 K-12 schools. Note: for schools marked 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Officer has 21 operational public transport stops, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by five distinct routes, facilitating 1,550 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents' access to transport is limited, with an average distance of 622 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes is 221 trips per day, equating to about 73 weekly trips per individual stop.

Officer's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results among Officers, with younger cohorts experiencing particularly low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 54% (~13,644 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Melbourne's 51.6%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.0%) and mental health issues (7.1%), while 76.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 70.3% in Greater Melbourne. Only 8.2% (~2,064 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 13.7%.

Officer is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Officer's population shows high cultural diversity, with 35.6% born overseas and 33.1% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Officer, comprising 39.2%. The category 'Other' is overrepresented in Officer at 4.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 3.2%.

In ancestry, English (22.1%) and Australian (21.6%) are the top groups, though Australians are lower than the regional average of 26.7%. The 'Other' group is notably higher at 17.4% versus 11.4% regionally. Some ethnic groups show significant variations: Sri Lankan at 2.7% (versus 1.1%), Hungarian at 0.5% (versus 0.4%), and Indian at 7.3% (versus 3.2%).

Officer hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Officer's median age in 2021 was 31 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and significantly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Officer had a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (20.4%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (6.6%). This 35-44 concentration was notably higher than the national average of 14.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 18.1% to 20.4%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 20.8% to 18.3%. Projections indicate that Officer's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 45-54 age group expected to expand considerably, growing from 2,693 to 5,196 people, an increase of 2,502 (93%).