Moulden

An assessment of population growth drivers in Moulden reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Moulden's population was 3,268 as of May 2026, a 7.0% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,053 people. This growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3,268 in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. The population density was 1,867 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Moulden's population growth rate of 7.0% since the census is within 2.3 percentage points of the national average (9.3%). Natural growth contributed approximately 71.3% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch applies age cohort-based growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population projections indicate above median growth for national statistical areas. Moulden is expected to grow by 510 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.6% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Moulden, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Moulden has recorded just 2 dwelling approvals over the past five years. This indicates a mature, established suburb where available land for new construction is limited. For buyers, this scarcity of new housing stock typically supports property values and means competition may primarily be among existing homes.

Compared to Greater Darwin, Moulden records markedly lower building activity. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints.

Moulden has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Darwin to Palmerston Mass Transit Corridor, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park, with the following list providing more detail on those most relevant.

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Employment conditions in Moulden face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Moulden has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 13.6% as of December 2025. This is 7.4 percentage points higher than Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%.

Workforce participation in Moulden is lower at 65.0%, compared to Greater Darwin's 72.5%. According to Census responses, only 3.9% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment are public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 10.4%, compared to 14.2% regionally. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, Moulden's labour force increased by 1.1% while employment declined by 0.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Darwin where employment grew by 1.3%, labour force expanded by 1.2%, and unemployment fell marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6%. Over ten years, this growth is projected at 13.7%. Applying these projections to Moulden's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The median income among taxpayers in Moulden SA2 was $59,961 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $66,488 during the same period. These figures compare to those for Greater Darwin's of $66,956 and $77,199 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,603 (median) and $72,745 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 59th percentile ($851 weekly), while household income sits at the 36th percentile. In terms of income distribution, 32.1% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 36.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 32nd percentile.

Moulden is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Moulden, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.3% houses and 19.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Darwin metro had 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moulden was at 11.1%, with the rest of the dwellings either mortgaged (43.0%) or rented (45.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,632, below Darwin metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure in Moulden was recorded at $295, compared to Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Moulden's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Moulden has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.6 percent of all households, consisting of 28.3 percent couples with children, 17.3 percent couples without children, and 21.1 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.4 percent, with lone person households at 28.6 percent and group households comprising 3.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

Moulden faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.5%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 31.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 8.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 46.5% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 7.7% and certificates at 38.8%. Educational participation is high, with 40.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 16.8% in primary education, 12.6% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis shows seven active transport stops operating within Moulden, composed of buses. These stops are served by 22 individual routes, collectively offering 1037 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 235 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. Only 3.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 148 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 148 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Moulden is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Moulden faces significant health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is slightly lower than average at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,702 people), compared to Greater Darwin's 57.8%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.3%) and mental health issues (7.6%). Conversely, 69.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. Moulden has 12.3% residents aged 65 and over (400 people), exceeding Greater Darwin's 11.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

In terms of cultural diversity, Moulden records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Moulden's cultural diversity aligns with the wider region, with 78.3% of residents being citizens, 84.2% born in Australia, and 86.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Moulden, comprising 44.3%. Buddhism, however, is overrepresented at 2.4%, compared to the Greater Darwin average of 3.3%.

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (24.0%), English (22.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (18.3%), which exceeds the regional average of 7.0%. Notable divergences include Filipino, overrepresented at 3.2%, Maori at 0.9%, and Spanish at 0.6%.

Moulden's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Moulden's median age in 2021 was 33 years, comparable to Greater Darwin's average of 34 and substantially lower than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Darwin, Moulden had a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.7%). Post-2021 Census data showed the 75-84 age group grew from 2.3% to 3.9%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.9% to 16.3%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 13.6% to 11.7% and the 5-14 group dropped from 17.7% to 16.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Moulden's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to grow steadily from 415 to 531 people (an increase of 115 people or 28%). Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 9 people, representing a 4% increase.