Ocean Reef

An assessment of population growth drivers in Ocean Reef reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Ocean Reef's population is around 8,797 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 672 people (8.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,125 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,789 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,672 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ocean Reef's 8.3% growth since the census positions it within 1.6 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 85.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilizing the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,151 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 13.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Ocean Reef recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Ocean Reef has recorded around 14 residential properties granted approval per year, with 72 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 6 so far in FY-26. At an average of 8.6 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $445,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $10.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to Greater Perth, Ocean Reef has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 20th percentile of areas assessed nationally, which means more limited choices for buyers and supports demand for existing dwellings. This activity is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 798 people per approval, Ocean Reef shows a mature, established area.

Future projections show Ocean Reef adding 1,143 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Ocean Reef has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Ocean Reef Primary School Expansion, Ocean Reef Marina Redevelopment, and Ocean Reef Marina, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 exceptional employment performance in Ocean Reef places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Ocean Reef features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.0%, and 3.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,187 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.1% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Perth's 71.9%. Based on Census responses, a low 11.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, transport, postal & warehousing employs just 3.0% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 4.7%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 3.8% alongside the labour force increasing by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.3% and labour force growth of 2.6%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Ocean Reef. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Ocean Reef's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Ocean Reef SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $61,074 with the average level standing at $77,590. This is very high nationally and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $66,949 (median) and $85,054 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes rank exceptionally at the 90th percentile ($2,480 weekly). Distribution data shows 28.7% of the population (2,524 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 40.9% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Ocean Reef, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.9% houses and 4.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Ocean Reef was well beyond that of Perth metro, at 42.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (45.7%) or rented (12.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Perth metro average at $2,253, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $525, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Ocean Reef's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Ocean Reef features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 85.9% of all households, comprising 45.1% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 14.1%, with lone person households at 12.4% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Ocean Reef exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Tertiary education reaches 28.9% of residents aged 15+ in Ocean Reef. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (24.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in secondary education, 9.4% in primary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 46 active transport stops operating within Ocean Reef comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 738 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 227 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 81%, with 13% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, above the regional average. A relatively low 11.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 105 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

Ocean Reef's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Ocean Reef, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~5,102 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.8% and 6.4% of residents, respectively, while 72.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,826 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Ocean Reef was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ocean Reef is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 10.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 44.9% born overseas. The main religion in Ocean Reef is Christianity, which makes up 52.9% of the population, compared to 45.0% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Ocean Reef are English, comprising 34.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.0%, Australian, comprising 19.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 2.3% of Ocean Reef (vs 1.0% regionally), Welsh at 1.1% (vs 0.7%), and French at 0.9% (vs 0.5%).

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

With a median age of 44, Ocean Reef notably exceeds the Greater Perth figure of 37 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 15.2% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.7%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.4% to 6.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 13.7% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 16.0% to 13.9% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 7.8% to 6.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Ocean Reef's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 84% (472 people), reaching 1,036 from 563. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 65% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.