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 was approximately 21,443 as of August 2025. This figure represents a growth of 2,049 people, an increase of 10.6% since the 2021 Census count of 19,394 individuals. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 20,576 in June 2024 and the addition of 502 validated new addresses since the Census date. Ocean Grove's population density stands at 311 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space available for each person and potential room for further development. The area's population growth rate surpassed both the non-metro average (5.5%) and national average following the 2021 census, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 64% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all factors including overseas migration and natural growth contributed positively to this growth.

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, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics predict exceptional growth, with Ocean Grove expected to expand by 10,408 persons by the year 2041 based on current projections, indicating a total gain of 44.2% over this 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. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 1,340 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, and an additional 22 so far in FY26. On average, 1.8 new residents have been added per dwelling constructed annually over these five years. This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $653,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, there has been $2.1 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Ocean Grove has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, while it ranks among the 82nd percentile nationally. This suggests strong developer confidence in the location despite lower approval rates compared to other Victorian areas. New building activity comprises 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Ocean Grove's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

However, this represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 94.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 138 people per dwelling approval, Ocean Grove shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Ocean Grove will gain approximately 9,470 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that may 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.

Employment conditions in Ocean Grove demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Ocean Grove has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of June 2025, below the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%. In June 2025, 10,694 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 61.1%, similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with the latter being particularly notable at 1.4 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, comprising only 1.0% of Ocean Grove's workforce compared to 7.5% in Rest of Vic..

Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.0% while labour force rose by 2.4%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Ocean Grove's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on 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

Ocean Grove's median income among taxpayers was $52,844 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $71,237 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Vic., which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, current estimates as of March 2025 would be approximately $58,187 (median) and $78,439 (average). Census data reveals that incomes in Ocean Grove cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 30.8% of Ocean Grove's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, with this figure being consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 30.3%. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. The area'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 data, 93.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.1% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Non-Metro Vic., where 93.0% of dwellings are houses and 7.0% are other types. Home ownership in Ocean Grove stood at 43.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.7% and rented ones at 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Ocean Grove was $420, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $402. Nationally, Ocean Grove's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $420 compared to the national figure of $375.

Ocean Grove has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households compose 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 constitute the remaining 24.6%, with lone person households at 22.4% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with 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

Educational attainment in Ocean Grove is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 33.5% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 35.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 13.9% and certificates for 22.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education. As of September 2021, Ocean Grove's five schools have a combined enrollment of 1,918 students. The area demonstrates 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), suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Public transport analysis shows 68 active transport stops operating in Ocean Grove. These are mixed bus routes serviced by 2 individual lines, providing a total of 556 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 377 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 79 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual 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

Ocean Grove's health indicators show below-average outcomes, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups.

The area has a high rate of private health cover, at approximately 55% of its total population of around 11,793 people. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.8 and 8.6% of residents respectively. About 67.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across the rest of Victoria. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 22.9% (4,914 people), than the rest of Victoria's 24.2%. Health outcomes among seniors in Ocean Grove are above average, performing 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 showed below average cultural diversity, with 88.0% of its population born in Australia, 92.7% being citizens, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.2%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Vic..

The top three ancestry groups were English at 31.2%, Australian at 29.5%, and Irish at 11.9%. Notably, Scottish (9.6%), Dutch (1.9%), and Welsh (0.7%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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 above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Ocean Grove has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (14.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.4% to 10.7%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 6.3% to 7.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 decreased from 13.3% to 11.9%, and the age group 5-14 dropped from 14.2% to 13.2%. By 2041, Ocean Grove's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 54%, reaching 4,655 people from the current 3,021.