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 Officer South, as of November 2025 its estimated population is around 1,641. This reflects an increase of 482 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,159. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,626 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 162 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 82 persons per square kilometer. Officer South's growth rate of 41.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both national average (8.9%) and state levels, marking it as a growth leader in the region. 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 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicate exceptional growth over the period, with Officer South expected to expand by 824 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 35.4% 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 45 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 226 homes between FY-21 and FY-25. So far in FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 new residents arrive per new home annually during this period.

The supply of new properties, constructed at an average value of $369,000, meets demand, fostering stable market dynamics and providing more affordable housing options for purchasers compared to regional norms. In FY-26, $48,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Officer South records 269.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers 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 despite density pressures. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (78.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes.

With around 31 people per dwelling approval, Officer South shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections show Officer South adding 581 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Officer South has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects potentially impacting this region. Notable ones are Cardinia Motor Recreation and Education Park, Cardinia Road Infrastructure Upgrades, Officer South Employment Precinct, and Arcadia Estate. The following details these projects, focusing on those most relevant.

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

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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. The unemployment rate was 2.5% as of June 2025, with estimated employment growth of 3.7% over the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of June 2025750 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was 68.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in 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.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 6.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.7% and labour force by 4.1%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 3.5%, labour force expanded by 4.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 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 this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Officer South had a median taxpayer income of $64,624 and an average of $74,974 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is higher than national averages, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $72,482 (median) and $84,091 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data ranks Officer South's household, family, and personal incomes between the 71st and 80th percentiles nationally. In Officer South, 43.2% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to regional levels at 32.8%. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income 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 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). This compares to Melbourne metro's 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Officer South was at 29.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (63.1%) or rented (7.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,200, above 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 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 constitute 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 account for 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 has a higher proportion of residents with university qualifications than the broader SA3 area. Specifically, 32.0% of Officer South's residents aged 15 and above have such qualifications, compared to 21.8%. This educational advantage is driven by 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 and above holding them.

This includes advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (22.6%). Educational participation is high, 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%). However, educational facilities appear to be located outside Officer South's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Officer South shows that there are three active transport stops currently operating. These stops primarily service buses, with one route providing a total of 449 weekly passenger trips across all stops. The accessibility to these transport stops is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 392 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 64 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 149 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 shows strong performance throughout Officer South. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~926 people), compared to 51.6% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.9 and 6.5% of residents respectively, while 75.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.3% across Greater Melbourne. Officer South has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over (260 people), which is higher than the 13.7% in Greater Melbourne.

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, accounting for 44.8% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 5.3% of Officer South's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 3.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.2%), Australian (21.8%), and Other (17.0%), with the latter being substantially higher than the regional average of 11.4%. Certain ethnic groups showed notable variations: Sri Lankan was overrepresented at 3.1% compared to the regional average of 1.1%, Hungarian at 0.9% versus 0.4%, and Dutch at 1.9% compared to 2.6%.

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

Officer South's median age is 31, which is notably lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and significantly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Officer South has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (26.5%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (3.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and now, the proportion of Officer South's population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 14.4% to 16.4%, while the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has declined from 4.8% to 3.2%. The percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 has also decreased, from 27.6% to 26.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Officer South's age profile will change significantly by the year 2041. The projection shows the 35 to 44 age cohort growing steadily, increasing by 107 people (40%) from 269 to 377. Conversely, the 85+ age cohort is projected to decline by 0 people.