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

Ocean Reef's population was approximately 8,797 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 672 people, or 8.3%, since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,125. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,789 in June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results 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 is within 0.6 percentage points of the SA3 area's rate of 8.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 85.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population dynamics project an above median growth for statistical areas across the nation. Ocean Reef is expected to grow by 1,151 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.0% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 FY-21 to FY-25, around 72 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each home built over these 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 value of new properties is approximately $445,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26 alone, commercial approvals have reached $10.9 million, reflecting 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, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The population density, at around 798 people per approval, reflects a mature, established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Ocean Reef is projected to add approximately 1,143 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to impact the region. Key initiatives include Ocean Reef Marina Redevelopment, Ocean Reef Marina, Ocean Reef Primary School Expansion, and 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 strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Perth's 4.0%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.5%. As of September 2025, 5,146 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, similar to Greater Perth's workforce participation rate of 65.2%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing employs only 3.0% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 4.7%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparisons. In the 12 months prior, Ocean Reef saw employment increase by 3.5%, with labour force growth at 3.4%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. Meanwhile, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% and a marginal rise in unemployment. Statewide, WA's employment contracted by 0.27% between November 2024 and November 2025, losing 5,520 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ocean Reef's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Ocean Reef SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $58,121 and an average level of $74,792. Nationally, this is very high compared to levels of $58,380 and $78,020 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $66,374 for median income and $85,412 for average income as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes rank exceptionally at the 90th percentile with $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

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 stood at 42.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (45.7%) or rented (12.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,253, above Perth metro's average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Ocean Reef was $525, compared to Perth metro's $400. Nationally, Ocean Reef's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 comprise 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 account for 14.1%, with lone person households at 12.4% and group households making up 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 common 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 them - advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 24.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.7% 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

Transport analysis indicates 47 active public transport stops operating within Ocean Reef. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 4 individual routes. Collectively, these routes facilitate 736 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 227 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 105 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Ocean Reef with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is found to be very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~4970 people), compared to 59.3% across Greater Perth.

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% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.5% across Greater Perth. As of 30 June 20XX, 20.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (1763 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Ocean Reef perform even better than the general population in health metrics.

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 was found to have a higher level of cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 10.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home. This figure is recorded as of the year 2016. Additionally, 44.9%, born overseas, contributed to this diversity.

The dominant religion in Ocean Reef was Christianity, comprising 52.9% of the population. This percentage is higher compared to Greater Perth's 49.6%. In terms of ancestry, as recorded in the year 2016, English was the most represented group at 34.6%, followed by Australian at 19.1% and Irish at 9.1%. Notably, South African ancestry was overrepresented in Ocean Reef at 2.3%, compared to the regional average of 1.8%. Similarly, Welsh ancestry stood at 1.1%, matching the regional figure, while French ancestry was slightly higher at 0.9% compared to the region's 0.6%.

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

Ocean Reef's median age stands at 44 years, surpassing Greater Perth's figure of 37 and significantly exceeding the national norm of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constitutes 15.2% of Ocean Reef's population, higher than Greater Perth's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 7.0%. Post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.4% to 5.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 13.7% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 16.0% to 14.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates Ocean Reef's age profile will change notably. Leading this shift, the 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 99%, reaching 1,036 people from 519. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 67% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.