Officer South

Population growth drivers in Officer South are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Officer South's population is estimated at around 1,950 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 791 people (68.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,159 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,890, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 169 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 97 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Officer South's 68.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 76.0% 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 2022 as the base year. 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 781 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 78 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Officer South among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Officer South recorded around 42 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 214 homes were approved, with a further 35 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five financial years.

The supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $369,000. Additionally, $140,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Officer South records 275.0% more new home approvals per person, offering greater choice for buyers. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location.

New building activity shows 98.0% detached dwellings and 2.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (78.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 36 people per dwelling approval, Officer South shows characteristics of a growth area. Population projections showing stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Officer South 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 ten projects likely to impact this region. Notable ones are Cardinia Motor Recreation and Education Park, Cardinia Road Infrastructure Upgrades, Officer South Employment Precinct, and Kaduna Park Estate. The following list details those deemed 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.

Employment conditions in Officer South demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Officer South has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.0% as of a recent period, with estimated employment growth of 3.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025817 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.8% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Officer South was at 63.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Census responses indicated that 27.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training sectors. Notably, employment levels in health care & social assistance were at 1.3 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services had limited presence with only 6.0% of 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. Over a 12-month period ending recently, employment increased by 3.9%, while labour force grew by 4.5%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, labour force expand by 2.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide further insight into potential future demand within Officer South. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Officer South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not accounting for localized population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Officer South had a median income among taxpayers of $64,624. The average income stood at $74,974. This is high nationally compared to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,955 (median) and $81,159 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes rank at the 74th percentile nationally in Officer South. Family incomes are at the 78th percentile, while personal incomes rank at the 76th percentile nationally. The largest segment comprises 43.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (842 residents). High housing costs consume 16.7% of income. Disposable income ranks at the 70th percentile nationally. Officer South's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Officer South's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.1% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Officer South was at 29.8%, aligning with Melbourne metro's figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (63.1%) or rented (7.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $393, slightly above Melbourne metro's figure of $390. Nationally, Officer South's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,200 compared to the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Officer South also exceeded the national figure of $375 by $18.

Officer South has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.9% of all households, including 34.4% couples with children, 35.0% couples without children, and 3.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.1%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Officer South demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Officer South has a higher rate of university qualifications among residents aged 15 and above than the broader SA3 area benchmark. Specifically, 32.0% of Officer South residents have university qualifications compared to 21.8%. This educational advantage is led by bachelor degrees at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent in the area, with 36.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 13.9% and certificates for 22.6%. Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 4.8% in tertiary education, and 4.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Officer South has three operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route in total, facilitating 265 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents usually situated 392 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Officer South residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (95%). On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 27.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 37 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 88 weekly trips per individual stop.

Officer South'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 remarkable results in Officer South, as assessed by AreaSearch.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably low, especially among younger cohorts. Approximately 56% of the total population (~1,100 people) has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.9%) and asthma (6.5%). A significant majority, 75.4%, report being free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Officer South has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 8.9% (173 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%.

Officer South 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 South's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 33.0% born overseas and 26.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Officer South, comprising 44.8% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' category made up 5.3%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.2%), Australian (21.8%), and Other (17.0%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Sri Lankan was overrepresented at 3.1% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Hungarian at 0.9% versus 0.3%, and Dutch at 1.9% compared to 1.2%.

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

Officer South's median age is 30 years, which is materially younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Officer South has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (28.5%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (0%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 5-14 age group has grown from 13.0% to 18.7%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 7.2% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 0.0%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 12.0% to 0.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Officer South's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 35-44 age cohort projected to grow steadily, expanding by 97 people (from 0 to 97). Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 cohorts.