Ocean Shores

The typical resident is 43, which is noticeably older than the national figure of 38. De facto relationships are much more common here than in most similar areas, and 18.9% of the population are seniors aged 65 and over.

People born overseas make up 19.4% of the population, which is much higher than in most similar areas, though still well below the New South Wales average. English, Australian, and Irish are the most common ancestries.

Around 9.2% of residents use a language other than English at home, a figure that is much higher than in most similar areas. However, this remains far below the state and national averages.

This is an area where most people have no religion, with 59.8% identifying this way. This is far above the national figure of 38.9%.

Residents are well-qualified, with 27.3% holding a bachelor degree or higher. This is much higher than in most similar areas and aligns with the national average.

Typical weekly household income is $1,471, which is a little below the national figure of $1,746. High earners are less common here, as the share of households earning $3,000 or more a week is lower than in most similar areas.

Long-term health conditions are slightly less common here than across Australia, affecting 26.0% of the population. Mental health conditions are reported by 8.7% of residents.

Volunteering is well above the national average, with 18.0% of people giving their time. Unpaid care for children and housework is also slightly more common than in the rest of the state.

First Nations residents in the area have a Year 12 completion rate of 52.3%, which is far above the national figure of 37.0%. The typical personal income for First Nations people is a little above the national average.

One-parent families are much more common here than in most similar areas, making up 19.8% of households. This is well above the national average of 14.1%.

Homes here are typically large, with 81.2% having three or more bedrooms. While the share of homes owned outright is well above the national average, typical weekly rents are also well above the national figure at $508.

Most people rely on cars, with 55% driving to work and only 0.2% using public transport. However, 21.4% of the workforce works from home, which is about the same as the national average.

The community is quite mobile, with 40.8% of people moving in the last five years. This is slightly higher than the national figure. Recent arrivals from overseas also make up 10.2% of the population.

Full-time employment is far below the national average at 42.0%, and the unemployment rate is much higher than in most similar areas. Many residents work in health care, social assistance, and education.

The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score far below the state average. Very few homes are within a 15-minute walk of health services or parks.