Ocean Grove
Statistical Area - sa2

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, as of November 2025, is approximately 21,462. This figure represents a 10.7% increase from the 2021 Census count of 19,394 people. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 20,590, with an additional 504 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density of 312 persons per square kilometer. Ocean Grove's population growth exceeded both the non-metro area average (6.0%) and the national average during this period. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 64.0% of overall population gains, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also contributing positively.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments made through weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Ocean Grove is projected to have a population of approximately 31,870, an increase of 10,408 persons and a total gain of 44.0% over the 17-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 have been approved, with an additional 45 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.8 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, contributing to stable market dynamics. The average construction cost value of new properties is around $335,000. In terms of commercial development activity, there have been approximately $2.1 million in approvals this financial year. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Ocean Grove has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 82nd percentile of areas assessed, indicating strong developer confidence in the location.

The current development mix consists of 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character while addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. There are approximately 138 people per dwelling approval in Ocean Grove, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts suggest that Ocean Grove will gain around 9,451 residents by 2041. Construction is keeping pace with 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 that could impact this region. Notable ones include Kingston Ocean Grove Estate, SALT Business Park, Talia Residences, and Ti-Tree Village Redevelopment, with the following list highlighting those most relevant.

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

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

Ocean Grove has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of June 2025, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%. There were 10,694 residents employed in June 2025 with workforce participation at 61.1%, similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with a particular specialization in the latter (1.4 times the regional level). Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 1.0% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, labour force by 2.4%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Ocean Grove's employment could grow approximately 6.9%% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 2022 shows Ocean Grove's median income is $52,844 and average income is $71,237. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $48,741 and average income of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Ocean Grove would be approximately $59,270 (median) and $79,899 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Ocean Grove are around the 58th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows 30.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999 (6,610 individuals), consistent with regional trends at 30.3%. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains for other costs. Ocean Grove's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Ocean Grove is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Ocean Grove, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.8% of dwellings were houses, with 6.1% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This is similar to Non-Metro Vic., which had 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ocean Grove stood at 43.0%, comparable to Non-Metro Vic.'s level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (38.7%) or rented (18.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, exceeding Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure in Ocean Grove was recorded at $420, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $402. Nationally, Ocean Grove's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Ocean Grove has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Vic.

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

Ocean Grove's residents aged 15 and above exhibit high educational attainment. 33.5% hold university qualifications, surpassing the broader benchmark of 21.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.9% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (22.0%).

Educational participation is notable, at 28.6%, comprising primary education (11.1%), secondary education (8.2%), and tertiary education (3.9%). Ocean Grove's five schools have a combined enrollment of 1,918 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1076. Education provision is balanced, with four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents (8.9) are below the regional average (12.3), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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 buses on two routes, offering a total of 556 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 377 meters.

On average, there are 79 trips per day across all routes, which equals about eight weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Ocean Grove are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Ocean Grove, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~11,804 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.8 and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 67.0% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.8% across Rest of Vic.. The area has 22.9% of residents aged 65 and over (4,919 people), which is lower than the 24.2% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 88.0% born in Australia, 92.7% being citizens, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.2%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (29.5%), and Irish (11.9%). Scottish (9.6%) and Dutch (1.9%) were notably overrepresented, while Welsh was slightly overrepresented at 0.7%.

Ocean Grove hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Ocean Grove's median age of 44 years is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 43 and is well above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Ocean Grove has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (14.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.7%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.4% to 10.7%, while the 75-84 cohort has increased from 6.3% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 13.3% to 11.9%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 14.2% to 13.2%. By the year 2041, Ocean Grove is expected to experience significant shifts in its age composition, with the 35-44 age group projected to grow by 54%, reaching a total of 4,655 people from the current figure of 3,023.