Barwon Heads vs Ocean Grove
The verdict
Ocean Grove is more affordable, with a median house price of $979K versus $1.70M in Barwon Heads. Barwon Heads rates higher for education (78 vs 71). Ocean Grove rates higher for liveability (69 vs 35). On the separate residential safety score, Ocean Grove rates higher (100 vs 93/100 in Barwon Heads).
Scores
| Barwon Heads | Ocean Grove | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 45 | 55 |
| Transport | 28 | 27 |
| Education | 78 | 71 |
| Liveability | 35 | 69 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Barwon Heads | Ocean Grove | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,353 | 17,714 |
| Median age | 46 | 43 |
| Median household income (wk) | $2,226 | $1,837 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 51.5% | 43.4% |
| Born in Australia | 83.5% | 84.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.5 |
Growth: Barwon Heads High Growth · Ocean Grove High Growth
Property
| Barwon Heads | Ocean Grove | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $1.70M | $979K |
| Median unit price | $1.06M | $873K |
| House price YoY | -23.2% | -10.6% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Rental yield (house) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Days on market (house) | Data not available | Data not available |
Median price history
Safety
| Barwon Heads | Ocean Grove | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 93 | 100 |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 299 | 215 |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 138 | 56 |
| Domestic assault /100k | 92 | 68 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 2,688 | 1,564 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Barwon Heads | Ocean Grove | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 1 | 4 |
| Government | 1 | 3 |
| Independent | 0 | 0 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,114 | 1,088 |
See the full school list on each profile: Barwon Heads · Ocean Grove
Transport
| Barwon Heads | Ocean Grove | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 28 | 27 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 25 | 56 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Nearest train station (km) | 14.4 km | 17.5 km |
Liveability
| Barwon Heads | Ocean Grove | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 24.8°C | 24.8°C |
| Winter max temp | 14.0°C | 14.0°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 540 | 540 |
| Supermarkets | 1 | 4 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 5 | 17 |
| Parks | 6 | 28 |
| Playgrounds | 6 | 21 |
| Swimming pools | Data not available | 3 |
| Medical GPs | 0 | 5 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 1.4 km | 1.3 km |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 66.0 km | 62.0 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | 1.4 km | 3.8 km |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 17.3 km | 19.3 km |
Population & growth
| Barwon Heads | Ocean Grove | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 4,353 | 17,714 |
| Estimated 2025 | 6,053 | 18,992 |
| Projected 2041 | 6,495 | 26,432 |
| Annual growth rate | 8.59% | 1.76% |
Common questions
Which is safer, Barwon Heads or Ocean Grove?
Ocean Grove has the higher residential safety score (Barwon Heads 93/100 vs Ocean Grove 100/100).
Which is more affordable, Barwon Heads or Ocean Grove?
Ocean Grove is more affordable, with a median house price of $979K versus $1.70M.
Which has better schools, Barwon Heads or Ocean Grove?
Barwon Heads has a higher average school ICSEA (Barwon Heads 1114 vs Ocean Grove 1088; national average 1000).
Which has better public transport, Barwon Heads or Ocean Grove?
Barwon Heads has the higher transport score (Barwon Heads 28/100 vs Ocean Grove 27/100).
Try another comparison
Compare two suburbs