Ocean Reef
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Ocean Reef's population was 8,797 as of November 2025, reflecting a growth of 672 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS reported an estimated resident population of 8,789 in June 2024 and there were an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 1,672 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ocean Reef's growth rate of 8.3% since the census was close to the SA3 area's rate of 8.9%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.3% of overall population gains during recent periods. 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 and post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch utilises ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics project an above median growth for statistical areas nationwide, with Ocean Reef expected to grow by 1,151 persons to 2041, a total increase of 13.0% 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 approximately 14 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 72 homes were approved, with one additional home approved so far in FY26. On average, each home built over these five years accommodates about 8.6 new residents per year, indicating a significant demand outpacing supply.

This dynamic typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction cost value of new properties is around $445,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, commercial approvals totaling $10.9 million have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity in the area. Compared to Greater Perth, Ocean Reef has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 20th percentile nationally for areas assessed, offering more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings.

This activity is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development in Ocean Reef has been exclusively standalone homes, preserving its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 798 people per approval, Ocean Reef demonstrates a mature, established demographic. Future projections indicate Ocean Reef will add approximately 1,143 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.

Ocean Reef has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects expected to impact the area. Notable ones are Ocean Reef Marina Redevelopment, Ocean Reef Marina, Ocean Reef Primary School Expansion, and another Ocean Reef Marina Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Ocean Reef has an educated workforce with key service sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% as of June 2025.

Employment grew by 4.2% over the past year. There were 5,203 residents employed in June 2025, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, lower than Greater Perth's 3.9%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Perth's at 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Construction employment is particularly high, at 1.4 times the regional average. However, transport, postal & warehousing employs only 3.0% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 4.7%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 4.2%, labour force grew by 4.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth had employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Ocean Reef's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Ocean Reef had a median taxpayer income of $58,121 and an average income of $74,792. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Perth's median of $58,380 and average of $78,020. As of September 2025, estimated incomes based on a 14.2% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $66,374 (median) and $85,412 (average). According to census data, Ocean Reef's household incomes rank at the 90th percentile with weekly earnings of $2,480. Income distribution shows 28.7% of residents fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, mirroring the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Higher earners make up a substantial presence at 40.9%, indicating strong purchasing power in the community. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of their 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

Ocean Reef's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.9% houses and 4.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 88.7% houses and 11.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ocean Reef was at 42.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (45.7%) or rented (12.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,253, higher than Perth metro's average of $2,080. Weekly rent median was $525, compared to Perth metro's $400. Nationally, Ocean Reef's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents 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 account for 85.9% of all households, including 45.1% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 14.1%, with lone person households at 12.4% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.7.

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

Tertiary education reaches 28.9% of Ocean Reef residents aged 15+. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.0% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 13.1% and certificates make up 24.9%.

Educational participation is 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. Ocean Reef's five schools have a combined enrollment of 3,712 students as of the latest data. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1066. Education provision is balanced with three primary and two secondary schools serving distinct age groups. As an education hub, Ocean Reef offers 42.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 19.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Ocean Reef has 47 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 736 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average located 227 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 105 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual bus stop.

Ocean Reef's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis shows Ocean Reef has low prevalence of common health conditions across all ages. Private health cover is high at approximately 56% (~4970 people), compared to Greater Perth's 59.3%.

Most common conditions are arthritis (7.8%) and mental health issues (6.4%). 72.9% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Perth's 71.5%. Ocean Reef has 20.1% seniors (1763 people), with strong health outcomes among them.

Ocean Reef was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Ocean Reef was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 10.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 44.9% born overseas. The predominant religion in Ocean Reef is Christianity, which comprises 52.9% of the population, compared to 49.6% across Greater Perth. The top three represented ancestry groups are English (34.6%), Australian (19.1%), and Irish (9.1%).

Notably, South African ancestry is overrepresented at 2.3%, compared to 1.8% regionally, while Welsh ancestry remains the same at 1.1%. French ancestry is also slightly higher at 0.9%, compared to 0.6% regionally.

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

Ocean Reef has a median age of 44, which exceeds Greater Perth's figure of 37 and is significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 15.2% of Ocean Reef's population compared to Greater Perth, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.4% to 5.9%, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 13.7% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 16.0% to 14.2%. Demographic modeling indicates that Ocean Reef's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 99%, reaching 1,036 people from 519. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 67% of the population growth, while the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.