Otway
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Otway are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Otway's population was around 3,932 as of November 2025. This showed a decrease from the 4,008 recorded in the 2021 Census, marking a reduction of 76 people (1.9%). The change was inferred from ABS estimates of 3,952 in June 2024 and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density of 2.6 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Otway's growth rate was 1.2% annually, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration drove this growth, contributing approximately 88.2% of overall gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, it employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future growth is anticipated to be lower in non-capital city locations; Otway is projected to increase by 108 persons to 2041, a total rise of 3.1% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Otway when compared nationally

Otway has averaged approximately 42 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 212 homes were approved, with an additional 12 approved so far in FY-26. On average, only about 0.7 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $563,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, $19.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to residential activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Otway records 118.0% more construction activity per person, creating greater choice for buyers. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

The new building activity shows that approximately 97.0% are standalone homes and 3.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 131 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Otway is expected to grow by 124 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Otway has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely to affect this region: Colac Water Pipeline Upgrade, Eden Project Anglesea, Telstra InfraCo Intercity Fibre Network, and Additional VLocity Trains are key projects, with the following list highlighting those most 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.

The labour market in Otway shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Otway has an educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 1.3%.

In June 2025, 2,034 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.5% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 53.7%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include accommodation & food (strongly specialized), health care & social assistance, and construction. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented with 11.6% of Otway's workforce versus 16.8% in Rest of Vic..

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data analysis. Over June 2024 to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.8%, and employment fell by 1.6%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Otway's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Income data from AreaSearch for financial year 2022 shows Otway had lower incomes compared to national averages. The median income was $41,247 and the average was $53,998. Rest of Vic.'s figures were higher: median at $48,741 and average at $60,693. Using a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since FY2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $46,263 (median) and $60,564 (average). Census 2021 data indicates Otway's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 11th and 25th percentiles nationally. Income brackets reveal 28.6% of Otway residents earn between $800 - $1,499 annually, differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is prevalent at 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.8% income retention, disposable income ranks at the 16th percentile nationally and Otway's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Otway's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Otway stood at 53.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.8% and rented ones at 20.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Otway was $1,387, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Otway was recorded as $285, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $250. Nationally, Otway's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,387 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Otway features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.0% of all households, including 18.3% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households at 35.3% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Educational attainment in Otway aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Otway's residents aged 15+ have a higher percentage with university qualifications (29.9%) than the broader SA3 area (17.2%) and SA4 region (19.0%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.2% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 12.8% and certificates for 24.4%. Educational participation is high in Otway, with 25.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.2% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education. There are six schools operating within Otway, educating approximately 405 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 990) and balanced educational opportunities. The schools include two primary, one secondary, and three K-12 institutions. School places per 100 residents in Otway are lower than the regional average at 10.2 compared to 14.5, indicating some students may attend schools outside the area.

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

Transport analysis shows 18 active stops operating in Otway. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 4 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 96 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1032 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 5 weekly trips per stop.

Otway's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Otway's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, exhibiting a typical range of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is present at a low rate of approximately 47% (1,848 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis, affecting 9.5% of residents, and mental health issues, impacting 7.7%. Conversely, 68.5% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Vic's figure of 65.0%. The proportion of seniors aged 65 and over in Otway is 29.2%, comprising 1,146 people, which is higher than the Rest of Vic's rate of 24.6%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in Otway are particularly strong, outperforming those of the general population in terms of health metrics.

Otway ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Otway's population was found to be less culturally diverse, with 82.8% being citizens, 82.0% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 34.1% of Otway's population. While Judaism remained underrepresented, it was slightly higher than the regional average (0.1% vs 0.1%).

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (13.0%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 10.2%, as were Dutch at 1.9% and French at 0.7%.

Otway ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Otway's median age is 51 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and Australia's median of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Otway at 18.6%, compared to the Rest of Vic.'s average and the national figure of 9.4%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 8.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 cohort grew from 9.8% to 11.4%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 7.3% to 8.4%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort declined from 19.3% to 17.3% and the 45-54 group dropped from 14.3% to 12.9%. By 2041, Otway's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 33%, reaching 495 people from 372. Population declines are anticipated for the 5-14 and 75-84 cohorts.