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

As of Nov 2025, the Officer statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 26,128. This reflects a growth of 7,625 people since the 2021 Census, when the population was recorded as 18,503. The growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 24,215 residents, based on examination of latest ERP data released by ABS in June 2024, and an additional 2,373 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 931 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Officer (SA2) experienced a 41.2% growth since the 2021 census, exceeding both national average (9.7%) and state average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also being positive contributors.

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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate exceptional growth, placing the Officer (SA2) in the top 10 percent of statistical areas across the nation. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 17,268 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 51.2% 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

Officer has averaged approximately 630 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 3,150 homes. As of FY-26338 approvals have been recorded. On average, about two people move to the area each year for every new home constructed during this period.

The average construction value per dwelling is $393,000. In FY-26, Officer has seen $8.3 million in commercial development approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Officer has 226.0% more new home approvals per person, offering ample choice for buyers. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The area's dwelling approvals are significantly above the national average, suggesting robust developer interest.

Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Officer's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 40 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Officer is projected to add 13,389 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Officer has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Arcadia Estate, Officer Residential Development-Olio, Arbor Officer, and Officer Fields. The following details those most relevant.

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

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

Officer has an educated workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.1%.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 4.9%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In Officer, 13,390 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is high at 74.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%.

Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. However, professional & technical services have limited presence with 6.5% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. In the past year, Officer saw employment increase by 4.9%, while the labour force grew by 5.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a smaller rise in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%, and employment growth outpaces the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Officer's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2023. In Officer suburb, median income among taxpayers was $59,357 and average income was $69,289. These figures are slightly above national averages of $54,124 (median) and $70,289 (average). Comparing with Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164 shows Officer's incomes are higher. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes would be approximately $64,254 (median) and $75,005 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates Officer's household, family, and personal incomes are at the 74th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 46.3% of residents (12,097 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, reflecting regional patterns where 32.8% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 17.9% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 71st percentile nationally. Officer's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th 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 the rest being mortgaged (58.0%) or rented (28.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,866 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Officer was $396, higher than Melbourne metro's $361 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 18.1%, with lone person households at 15.8% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, 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%, exceeding the SA3 average of 21.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 14.7% and certificates at 23.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.5% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.5% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education.

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

Officer has 38 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are covered by 5 different routes, offering a total of 1,584 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 391 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 226 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 41 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 notable results among Officers, with younger cohorts experiencing a low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 54% (~14,166 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Melbourne's 51.8%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.0%) and mental health issues (7.1%). 76.3% declare no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.3%. The area has 8.2% (2,142 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 13.7%.

Officer was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Officer's population has a high level of 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% of its population. The category 'Other' is overrepresented in Officer compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 4.7% versus 3.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (22.1%), Australian (21.6%), and Other (17.4%). Notably, Officer has a lower percentage of Australian ancestry than the regional average of 26.7%, but a higher percentage of Other ancestry compared to the regional average of 11.4%. Additionally, certain ethnic groups are overrepresented in Officer: Sri Lankan at 2.7% (regional average is 1.1%), Hungarian at 0.5% (0.4%), and Indian at 7.3% (3.2%).

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

Officer's median age at 31 years is notably below the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and significantly lower than the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Officer has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (20.4%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (6.6%). This 35-44 concentration is well above the national average of 14.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 18.1% to 20.4% of Officer's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age cohort has decreased from 20.8% to 18.3%. Demographic projections suggest that Officer's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 2,412 people (86%) from 2,795 to 5,208.