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). Ocean Grove has a shorter estimated CBD commute (164 vs 174 min). 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 | 1,120 | 1,091 |
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) | 174 | 164 |
| 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 1120 vs Ocean Grove 1091; 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).
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