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 21,462 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 2,068 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,394. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 20,590 in June 2024 and an additional 504 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 312 persons per square kilometer. Ocean Grove's growth rate of 10.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area average of 6.0%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch is using 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 uses the 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. Future population dynamics predict exceptional growth, with the area expected to expand by 10,408 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting 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 were approved, with an additional 58 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 1.8 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during this period.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average construction cost of new properties is approximately $335,000. In FY-26, there have been around $2.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Ocean Grove has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 81st percentile nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of approximately 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character while addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently around 94.0% houses. The location has approximately 138 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Ocean Grove will gain around 9,451 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Ocean Grove has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones 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 an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.9%, as of September 2025, which is below the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 61.1%, slightly higher than the regional average of 57.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with a notable specialization in the latter, being 1.4 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.0% of Ocean Grove's workforce compared to 7.5% in Rest of Vic.. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Ocean Grove's labour force decreased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 0.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decrease of 0.6%. Statewide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year (adding 41,950 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections from May-25 indicate that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ocean Grove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 that Ocean Grove SA2 has a median income of $52,844 and an average income of $71,237. This is higher than the national averages of $48,741 (median) and $60,693 (average) for Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $59,270 and an average income of around $79,899 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Ocean Grove cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. The distribution data indicates that 30.8% of individuals (6,610 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which is consistent with broader regional trends. After housing costs, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. 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, 93.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 6.1% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is comparable to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ocean Grove stood at 43.0%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., 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. Median weekly rent in Ocean Grove was recorded at $420, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $402. Nationally, Ocean Grove's median monthly mortgage repayment is higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 24.6%, consisting of 22.4% lone person households and 2.2% group households. 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

Ocean Grove's residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate of 33.5%, compared to the broader Victorian average of 21.7%. This includes bachelor degrees (21.8%), postgraduate qualifications (6.6%), and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 35.9% of residents holding such qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (22.0%). Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (11.1%), secondary (8.2%), and tertiary (3.9%) levels.

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis conducted in Ocean Grove shows 68 active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. There are 2 individual routes that collectively provide 556 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 377 meters from their nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 79 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Ocean Grove.

Common health conditions are 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). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 8.8 and 8.6% of residents respectively. 67.0% of residents declare 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 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average. 88.0% of its population were born in Australia, with 92.7% being citizens and 96.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 47.2% of Ocean Grove's population.

While Judaism comprised only 0.1% of the population, this was a notable overrepresentation compared to the regional average of 0.1%. The top three represented ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (29.5%), and Irish (11.9%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 9.6% in Ocean Grove versus 9.7% regionally, Dutch at 1.9% compared to 1.8%, and Welsh at 0.7% versus 0.6%.

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

Ocean Grove's median age of 44 years is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 43 and higher than 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 present, the population aged 15-24 grew from 9.4% to 10.7%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 6.3% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group declined from 13.3% to 11.9%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 14.2% to 13.2%. By 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 4,655 from 3,023 residents.