Officer South

Officer South lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Officer South's population is estimated at around 1,903. This reflects an increase of 744 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,159. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,890 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 95 persons per square kilometer. Officer South's growth rate of 64.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.7%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels for areas not covered by ABS data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections predict exceptional growth, placing Officer South in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, with an expected expansion of 895 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections reflecting a total increase of 20.5% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Officer South has experienced around 48 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 243 homes between FY-21 and FY-25. So far in FY-26, 32 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.7 new residents arrive per new home built annually over these five years.

The supply of new properties constructed at an average value of $369,000 seems to match demand, fostering stable market dynamics. There have also been $140,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Officer South records 293.0% more development activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice and suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 96.0% standalone homes and 4.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and 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 26 people per dwelling approval, Officer South shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections show Officer South adding 390 residents by 2041, with new housing supply comfortably meeting demand based on current development rates, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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 impacting the area. 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 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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.7%, with estimated employment growth of 4.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025814 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation stands at 68.5%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, health care & social assistance makes up 1.3 times the regional average of Officer South's workforce.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 6.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.8% and labour force grew by 5.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 3.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from Victoria up to November 25 shows employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate stands at 4.3%, and employment growth outpaces the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, applying these projections to Officer South's specific industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Officer South had a median taxpayer income of $64,624 and an average income of $74,974 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national averages of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average) for Greater Melbourne. By September 2025, estimates based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income would be approximately $69,955 and average income would be around $81,159. Census 2021 data shows Officer South's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 71st and 80th percentiles nationally. In terms of earnings profile, 43.2% of Officer South's population (822 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income in Officer South, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 70th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Officer South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Officer South's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.1% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Officer South was at 29.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 63.1% and rented ones at 7.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,866. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $393, compared to Melbourne metro's $361. Nationally, Officer South's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 2.8.

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's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications (32.0%) compared to the broader SA3 area (21.8%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 36.5% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (22.6%). Educational participation is high, with 28.0% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary (10.8%), tertiary (4.8%), and secondary education (4.1%).

Educational participation is notably 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 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route collectively offering 265 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 392 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 37 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 88 weekly trips per individual stop.

Officer South's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance throughout Officer South. Prevalence of common health conditions was low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 56% (about 1,073 people) had private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 51.8%. The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.9% and 6.5% of residents respectively. About 75.4% reported no medical ailments, compared to 70.3% in Greater Melbourne. Officer South has 15.9% (302 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 13.7%.

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 showed high diversity with 33.0% born overseas and 26.8% speaking languages other than English at home, as of the latest available data. Christianity was the predominant religion in Officer South, accounting for 44.8%. The 'Other' category was more prevalent here at 5.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 3.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Officer South had notable percentages for English (25.2%), Australian (21.8%), and Other (17.0%), which exceeded regional averages. Some ethnic groups were notably different: Sri Lankan at 3.1% versus the region's 1.1%, Hungarian at 0.9% compared to 0.4%, and Dutch at 1.9% versus 2.6%.

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

At 31 years, Officer South's median age is notably under the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and is significantly lower than the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Officer South has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (26.4%) but fewer 45 - 54 year-olds (3.2%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.4% to 16.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 4.8% to 3.2%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 27.6% to 26.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Officer South's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 77 people (25%) from 310 to 388. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort is projected to decline by 3 people.