Ocean Reef (WA)

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According to evaluations of ABS demographic revisions for the surrounding region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Ocean Reef has an estimated population of 9,002 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 877 people (10.8%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 8,125 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 8,985, which Districts estimated using the most recent ABS ERP statistics (June 2025) and an extra 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population size translates to a density of 1,711 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across domestic areas analyzed by Districts. The 10.8% expansion in the suburb of Ocean Reef since the 2021 census outperformed the national average (9.3%), positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population increases in the area were mostly driven by incoming overseas migration, which made up roughly 85.0% of the overall population rise in recent times.

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Ocean Reef possesses a highly educated workforce, with strong representation in essential service industries, an unemployment rate of only 2.2%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.3% over the prior year, according to Districts' compilation of statistical area records. As of March 2026, 5,220 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.0% lower than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%, while labor force participation is broad-ranging and comparable to Greater Perth's 70.2%. Based on Census responses, a low 11.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of Ocean Reef's income level is very high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The suburb of Ocean Reef's median income among taxpayers is $58,121 and the average income stands at $74,792, which compares to figures for Greater Perth's of $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $64,474 (median) and $82,967 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes rank exceptionally at the 90th percentile ($2,480 weekly). Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.7% of the community ( individuals), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents . Higher earners represent a substantial presence with exceeding weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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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.

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Homes occupied by families represent the vast majority at 85.9% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 45.1%, childless couples at 31.8%, and single parents at 8.5%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 14.1%, which includes single-person households at 12.4% and group shared homes at 1.8%. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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Higher education qualifications are held by 28.9% of residents aged 15+ in Ocean Reef. Bachelor degrees constitute the largest share at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Practical and technical capabilities are widely distributed, with 38.0% of the population aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (24.9%).

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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 - 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).

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Data on medical wellness reveals exceptional patterns across Ocean Reef, derived from Districts' evaluation of mortality indices and the incidence of chronic ailments, which shows a very low rate of common medical conditions in every age bracket, while private health insurance coverage is highly prevalent at approximately 57% of the entire population (~5,121 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

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Ocean Reef displays higher cultural diversity than the vast majority of local markets, with 10.8% of residents speaking a language other than English in their homes and 44.9% of the population born abroad. The leading religious affiliation is Christianity, which is practiced by 52.9% of the local population. However, the most disproportionately represented group is Judaism, comprising 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

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With a median age of 44, the suburb of Ocean Reef is notably exceeding the Greater Perth figure of 37 and is substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 15.3% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.8%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.4% to 6.5% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 13.7% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 16.0% to 13.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Ocean Reef's age profile will evolve significantly by . Leading the demographic shift, the to group will grow by ( people), reaching from . The aging population dynamic is clear, with those + comprising of projected growth. Meanwhile, the to and to cohorts are expected to experience population declines.

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Ocean Reef currently has an estimated 360 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 212 children aged 0-2 and 141 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 11% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 351 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 964. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 5.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.