Ocean Shores

NSW 2483 • Rest of NSW

5,777
Population (2021)
$36,972
Median Income
12.85 km²
Area
$508/wk
Median Rent
CoastalLifestyleLeafyRiversideSemi-Rural

About Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores is a laid-back coastal suburb in the Byron Shire of northern New South Wales, located approximately 10 kilometres south of Byron Bay near the mouth of the Brunswick River. Home to around 5,777 residents with a median age of 43, the suburb attracts lifestyle-seekers, creative professionals, and those drawn to the relaxed character of the broader Byron region. The suburb spans nearly 13 square kilometres of low-lying coastal terrain framed by subtropical vegetation.

Residents enjoy proximity to beaches, national parks, and the vibrant arts and food culture that defines this corner of northern New South Wales. A local shopping village meets everyday needs, while the larger towns of Mullumbimby and Byron Bay are just a short drive away. The community has a strong alternative lifestyle culture and a genuine sense of place, appealing to those who value nature, creative community, and a quieter pace compared to the busier Byron Bay township.

Ocean Shores falls under postcode 2483 and is governed by Byron Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ballina electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2483
Urban Area
Byron
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.51°, 153.53°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
12.85 km²
Elevation
31m

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Rajah Road Ocean Shores 2483 QLD

🎓 Schools

🔍 Crime Statistics

NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Ocean Shores by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Ocean Shores Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Ocean Shores" under Suburb

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$508
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,893
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
43 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1%

11 state housing + 12 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,137
Census 2021
5,777
12.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$29,640
Income 2021
$36,972
24.7% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,197
Born Overseas 1,123

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 254
  • 2. New Zealand 120
  • 3. Germany 63
  • 4. United States 45
  • 5. Canada 40
  • 6. South Africa 40
  • 7. Brazil 37
  • 8. France 34
  • 9. Netherlands 30
  • 10. India 28

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,349
Australian 1,861
Irish 904
Scottish 694
German 349
Italian 237
Australian Aboriginal 145
Dutch 125
French 88
Polish 65

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,027
Both parents born in Australia
1,331
Both parents born overseas
940
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
59.8%
Christianity
24.5%
Buddhism
2.2%
Judaism
1.6%
Hinduism
0.4%
Islam
0.3%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
293 (5.1%)
5-14 years
686 (11.9%)
15-19 years
304 (5.3%)
20-24 years
232 (4.0%)
25-34 years
647 (11.2%)
35-44 years
822 (14.2%)
45-54 years
870 (15.1%)
55-64 years
837 (14.5%)
65-74 years
714 (12.4%)
75-84 years
281 (4.9%)
85+ years
91 (1.6%)

Nearby Suburbs