Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Ocean Grove's population was approximately 20,864 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,470 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,394. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 20,794 in June 2025 and an additional 561 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 303 persons per square kilometer. Ocean Grove's growth rate of 7.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 4.3%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 63.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area.

For areas not covered by this data, they utilise the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting using 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. Future projections anticipate exceptional growth, placing Ocean Grove in the top 10 percent of national regional areas, with an expected expansion of 9,810 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 46.7% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Ocean Grove among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Ocean Grove has recorded approximately 268 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 1,340 homes were approved, with another 120 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.8 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, contributing to stable market conditions. The average construction cost of new properties is around $335,000. In terms of commercial development, there have been approximately $2.1 million in approvals this financial year, indicating limited activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Ocean Grove has seen 19.0% less new development per person. However, it ranks among the 81st percentile nationally for new development, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location.

The majority of new developments consist of detached dwellings (76.0%), with a smaller proportion being medium and high-density housing (24.0%). This maintains the area's traditional low-density character, appealing to those seeking family homes with space. There has been a shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (94.0%). The location has approximately 138 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts suggest Ocean Grove will gain around 9,738 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining a steady pace to accommodate this projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population grows.

Ocean Grove has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects potentially impacting this region. Notable projects include Kingston Ocean Grove Estate, Ti-Tree Village Redevelopment, 61 Powell Street Townhouses, and 57-59 The Parade Apartments. Below is a list of those most likely to be 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.

Ocean Grove ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Ocean Grove has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.0%. As of December 2025, 10,588 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.7% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation stands at 63.6%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 28.5% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.0% compared to Regional Vic.'s 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Ocean Grove's labour force decreased by 0.7%, employment declined by 0.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. Regional Vic., meanwhile, saw an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Ocean Grove. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Ocean Grove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Ocean Grove SA2 at $55,157 and average income at $73,259. Nationally, the median income is $50,954 with an average of $62,728. By March 2026, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%, estimated incomes are approximately $60,463 (median) and $80,307 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Ocean Grove's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 30.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, with 6,426 people in this band. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. Ocean Grove's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile nationally.

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

In Ocean Grove, as per the latest Census, 93.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 6.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Regional Victoria's figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ocean Grove stood at 43.0%, with mortgaged properties at 38.7% and rented ones at 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, exceeding Regional Victoria's average of $1,430. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Ocean Grove was $420, higher than Regional Victoria's $285 but lower than the national average of $375 for rents and $1,863 for mortgage repayments.

Ocean Grove has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.4% of all households, including 33.3% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.6%, with lone person households at 22.4% and group households at 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Ocean Grove shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Ocean Grove is notably higher than broader Victorian benchmarks. As of 2016, 33.5% of residents aged 15 years and above held university qualifications, compared to the state average of 21.7%. This educational advantage is reflected in various levels of attainment: Bachelor degrees were the most common at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational credentials were also prominent, with 35.9% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas accounted for 13.9% while certificates made up 22.0%.

Educational participation was high, with 28.6% of residents enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This included 11.1% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ocean Grove has 68 active public transport stops. These are served by 7 different routes, offering a total of 716 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 377 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature, and cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 94%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a high 28.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 102 trips per day, equating to about 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Ocean Grove's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Ocean Grove shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks in mortality rates and health conditions. Common health issues are seen across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at 55% (~11,558 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5%. Mental health issues (8.8%) and asthma (8.6%) are most common. 67.0% report no medical ailments, higher than Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents have typical health outcomes. The area has 23.6% seniors (4,915 people), with above-average health outcomes ranking higher nationally.

Ocean Grove is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Ocean Grove, surveyed in 2016, had a culturally diverse population that was below average. 88.0% of its residents were born in Australia, with 92.7% being citizens and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated the religious landscape, making up 47.2%.

Judaism, however, showed an overrepresentation at 0.1%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (31.2%), Australian (29.5%), and Irish (11.9%). Notably, Scottish (9.6%) was overrepresented in Ocean Grove versus regionally (8.8%), as were Dutch (1.9% vs 1.7%) and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.4%).

Ocean Grove hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Ocean Grove's median age of 44 years is similar to Regional Vic.'s 43 and well above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Ocean Grove has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 at 14.0%, but fewer residents aged 25-34 at 8.4%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 6.3% to 8.0%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.4% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group declined from 13.3% to 11.9% and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 14.2% to 13.0%. By 2041, Ocean Grove is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow by 62%, reaching 4,408 people from 2,718.