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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Officer South had an estimated population of around 1950 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 791 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1159. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 1890 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 169 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 97 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person. Officer South's growth rate of 68.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing Officer South in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas. The suburb is expected to expand by 832 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.1% in total 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. So far in FY-26, 32 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.7 new residents arrive per new home annually between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting a balance between supply and demand with stable market dynamics.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $369,000. In FY-26, there have been $140,000 in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Officer South records 293.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers ample choice and reflecting 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 275 residents by 2041, with new housing supply comfortably meeting demand at current development rates 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 to impact the area. Notable ones are Cardinia Motor Recreation and Education Park, Cardinia Road Infrastructure Upgrades, Officer South Employment Precinct, and Kaduna Park Estate, with the following list highlighting 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 significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, with estimated employment growth of 4.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025810 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 2.0%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation is lower at 59.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicate that 27.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Resident employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training sectors. Officer South specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level but has lower representation in professional & technical services at 6.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7% and labour force grew by 4.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 3.0%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 of $74,974 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than national averages, with Greater Melbourne's median being $57,688 and average at $75,164. 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. According to Census 2021 income data, Officer South's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 71st and 80th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 43.2% of the population (842 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which mirrors regional levels where 32.8% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Officer South's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 78.1% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Melbourne metro had a composition of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Officer South was at 29.8%, aligning with 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, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Officer South was $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 higher proportion of residents with university qualifications than the broader area, with 32.0% compared to 21.8%. This advantage is driven by a high number of bachelor degrees (22.2%), postgraduate qualifications (7.6%), and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, 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 primary education (10.8%), tertiary education (4.8%), and secondary education (4.1%).

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, together offering 265 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents typically living 392 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 95% of residents. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 27.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Buses run approximately 37 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 88 weekly trips per stop.

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

Officer South's health outcomes are notable, as per AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low, particularly among younger residents. Private health cover was high at approximately 56% of the total population (~1,100 people). The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (7.9%) and asthma (6.5%). A significant majority (75.4%) reported no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Officer South has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 16.3% (317 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Nationally, however, this figure ranks lower 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, as per data from the 2016 Census, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets with 33.0% of its population born overseas and 26.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Officer South, accounting for 44.8% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 5.3%, compared to the regional average of 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 significant differences: 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 31 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Officer South has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (25.8%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (3.2%). This 25-34 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 14.4% to 16.6%, while the 5 to 14 age group has risen from 13.0% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 27.6% to 25.8%, and the 45 to 54 group has fallen from 4.8% to 3.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Officer South's age profile. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to expand by 67 people (a 68% increase) from 99 to 167. Conversely, the 25 to 34 and 85+ cohorts are projected to experience population declines.