🔍

Ocean Shores

NSW 2483 • Rest of NSW

5,777
Population (2021)
$76,492
Median Household 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

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

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Ocean Shores for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$1.3M
114 sales · ▲ 19% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$965K
66 sales · ▲ 10.9% vs 2024

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

🏠 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)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Brunswick Heads
5 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Surfside Buslines 627 — Byron Bay / Ballina 30-40 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
190 km
By Train
No direct; coach to Ballina then services north
By Car (Peak)
2 hr-2 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hrs

🛣️ Northern Rivers coastal suburb; Ballina Byron Gateway Airport 30 km south

Walkability Car-Dependent

Coastal suburb with beach access; car essential for shopping and services in Brunswick Heads or Byron Bay

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Rajah Road Ocean Shores 2483 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Byron Local Government Area, which contains Ocean Shores. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
240.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
293.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 5.6%
Non-DV assault
682.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
5.3 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
465.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.6%
View all 62 offence types for Byron →

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

🎓 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)

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

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$36,972 / yr
$711/wk
Household
$76,492 / yr
$1471/wk
Family
$90,636 / yr
$1743/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ocean Shores known for? +

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.

How far is Ocean Shores from Sydney CBD? +

Ocean Shores is a rural locality in NSW. Access to the nearest CBD requires a private vehicle, as public transport options are very limited.

Does Ocean Shores have public transport? +

Ocean Shores has no public transport services. A private vehicle is essential for all travel in this area.

What is the population of Ocean Shores? +

According to the 2021 Census, Ocean Shores has a population of approximately 5,777 residents.

Is Ocean Shores a good place to live? +

Ocean Shores is well-regarded for its coastal lifestyle, offering natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a relaxed community feel. It suits those who prioritise beach access and a quieter pace of life over proximity to a major city.

What is the postcode for Ocean Shores? +

The postcode for Ocean Shores in NSW is 2483.

What is the average income in Ocean Shores? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Ocean Shores is about $711 per week (around $37,000 per year). The median household income is $1,471 per week and the median family income is $1,743 per week.

What is the median house price in Ocean Shores? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $1,300,000, up 19% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $965,000, up 10.9% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Ocean Shores? +

The median age in Ocean Shores is 43. The largest age group is 45–54 (870 residents, around 15%). Around 22% of residents are under 20 and about 19% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Ocean Shores a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Ocean Shores is part of the Byron LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Ocean Shores? +

In Ocean Shores, the median weekly rent is $508, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,893 (2021 Census).