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 population of Officer South is estimated at around 2,181 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,022 people (88.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,159 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,095 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 246 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 109 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Officer South's 88.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (9.3%), along with the national average, 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, over this period projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to decline by 900 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 101 people.

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

Officer South has seen approximately 42 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 214 homes were approved, with a further 39 approved in FY-26. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 5.6 people per year over the past five financial years.

This high demand exceeds new supply, potentially driving price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new homes is $369,000. In FY-26, there have been $140,000 in commercial development approvals, indicating limited commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Officer South has 213.0% more new home approvals per person. Construction activity has recently eased despite this high approval rate.

New development consists of 98.0% standalone homes and 2.0% medium-high density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character. The location has approximately 46 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which may reduce future housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Officer South has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 10 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Cardinia Motor Recreation and Education Park, Cardinia Road Infrastructure Upgrades, Officer South Employment Precinct, 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 strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Officer South has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.9%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 18.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 1,840 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation is high at 126.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. A significant portion, 27.6%, of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have limited presence at 6.0%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 18.9% alongside labour force growth of 19.4%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide insight into potential future demand in Officer South. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Officer South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Officer South at $64,624 and average income at $74,974. This compares to Melbourne-wide median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Assuming a 9.62% increase based on the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $70,841 (median) and $82,186 (average). Census 2021 data ranks Officer South's household, family, and personal incomes between the 71st and 80th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 43.2% of residents fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 32.8%. Housing costs consume 16.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 70th percentile. Officer South's SEIFA income ranking is 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.1% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Officer South was at 29.8%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (63.1%) or rented (7.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200, surpassing Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $393, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Officer South's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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 notably higher educational attainment compared to broader benchmarks. Specifically, 32.0% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, surpassing the SA3 area's 21.8%. This educational advantage is evident in various categories: Bachelor degrees are held by 22.2%, postgraduate qualifications by 7.6%, and graduate diplomas by 2.2%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (22.6%).

Educational participation is high in the area, 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, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route collectively handling 265 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good with residents typically located 392 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars (95%). Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 27.6% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 37 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 88 weekly trips per individual stop.

Officer South's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for Officer South residents, with AreaSearch's analysis finding mortality rates and health conditions broadly in line with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (around 1,230 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.9 and 6.5% of residents respectively. A total of 75.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Officer South has 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (505 people), which is higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne but ranks lower nationally than the broader population.

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. However, the category 'Other' was notably overrepresented, making up 5.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.2%), Australian (21.8%), and Other (17.0%). Certain ethnic groups showed significant divergences: Sri Lankan at 3.1% in Officer South versus 0.8% regionally, Hungarian at 0.9% versus 0.3%, and Dutch at 1.9% versus 1.2%.

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

Officer South's median age is 33, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Officer South has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (26.7%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (0.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, Officer South's residents have aged on average by 2.3 years, with the median age rising from 31 to 33. Notably, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has increased from 4.8% to 10.2%, while those aged 55-64 rose from 7.0% to 12.0%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has declined dramatically from 14.4% to 0.1%, and those aged 15-24 have also dropped significantly from 7.2% to 0.1%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Officer South's age profile will change significantly. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow exceptionally, increasing from 2 to 94 people (a growth of 4210%). Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 75-84 age cohorts.