Moulden

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Moulden's population is around 3,258 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 205 people (6.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,053 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,253 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,861 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Moulden's 6.7% growth since the census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA4 region (9.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 79.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is applying growth rates by age cohort to each area, as provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 563 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 17.1% in total over the 17 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 be primarily 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 5thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Moulden has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 13.6%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,378 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 10.5% above Greater Darwin's rate of 3.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (65.3% compared to Greater Darwin's 76.1%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 10.4% employment compared to 14.2% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force increasing by 1.1% while employment declined by 0.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points. This compares to Greater Darwin, where employment grew by 1.3%, the labour force expanded by 1.2%, and unemployment fell marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Moulden. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Moulden's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Moulden SA2's income level is slightly lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Moulden SA2's median income among taxpayers is $59,961 and the average income stands at $66,488, compared to Greater Darwin's figures of $66,956 and $77,199 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $65,022 (median) and $72,100 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 59th percentile ($851 weekly), while household income sits at the 36th percentile. Regarding income distribution, 32.1% of the population (1,045 individuals) fall 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

Dwelling structure within Moulden, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.3% houses and 19.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Moulden lagged that of Darwin metro, at 11.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (43.0%) or rented (45.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Darwin metro average at $1,632, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $295, compared to Darwin metro's $2,100 and $385. Nationally, Moulden's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 68.6% of all households, comprising 28.3% couples with children, 17.3% couples without children, and 21.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.4%, with lone person households at 28.6% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.5%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 31.3%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 46.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (38.8%).

Educational participation is notably 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 reveals 7 active transport stops operating within Moulden, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 22 individual routes, collectively providing 1,037 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 235 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 3.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Moulden, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,697 people). This compares to 57.8% across Greater Darwin.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.3% and 7.6% of residents, respectively, while 69.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 77.1% across Greater Darwin. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (390 people), which is higher than the 10.8% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 78.3% of its population being citizens, 84.2% born in Australia, and 86.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Moulden is Christianity, which makes up 44.3% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which comprises 2.4% of the population, compared to 3.3% across Greater Darwin.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Moulden are Australian, comprising 24.0% of the population, English, comprising 22.2% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 18.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 7.0%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 3.2% of Moulden (vs 3.8% regionally), Maori at 0.9% (vs 0.6%) and Spanish at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

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

At 33 years, Moulden's median age is comparable to the Greater Darwin average of 34 and is substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Darwin, Moulden has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (16.8%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (12.7%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.3% to 4.0% of the population. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.7%. Demographic modeling suggests Moulden's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 122 people (29%) from 418 to 541. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 5% (13 people).