Moffat Beach - Battery Hill

An assessment of population growth drivers in Moffat Beach - Battery Hill reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Moffat Beach - Battery Hill's population is around 8,314 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 184 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,130 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,285 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 68 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,137 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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 for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 806 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 9.3% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Moffat Beach - Battery Hill according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Moffat Beach - Battery Hill has experienced around 29 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 149 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of only 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $711,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $4.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Moffat Beach - Battery Hill has significantly less development activity (76.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% medium and high-density housing, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 319 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Population forecasts indicate Moffat Beach - Battery Hill will gain 777 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Moffat Beach - Battery Hill has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Moffat Beach Seawall Reconstruction Project, Solara Kings Beach, the Caloundra Transport Hub, and the Caloundra Centre Activation Project, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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.

The employment landscape in Moffat Beach - Battery Hill presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.8%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Moffat Beach - Battery Hill features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of only 3.8%. As of December 2025, 4,075 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (59.4% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.7% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.2% alongside a 3.2% employment decline, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Moffat Beach - Battery Hill. 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 Moffat Beach - Battery Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% 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 sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Moffat Beach - Battery Hill SA2's median income among taxpayers is $51,343, with an average of $64,827. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,431 (median) and $71,251 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Moffat Beach - Battery Hill, between the 36th and 36th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 28.0% of the population (2,327 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Moffat Beach - Battery Hill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Moffat Beach - Battery Hill, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 72.3% houses and 27.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Moffat Beach - Battery Hill was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 39.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.3%) or rented (31.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Moffat Beach - Battery Hill's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

Moffat Beach - Battery Hill has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 68.9% of all households, comprising 24.9% couples with children, 32.1% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.1%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Moffat Beach - Battery Hill exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (29.5% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of the SA3 area (23.6%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (24.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.6% 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 29 active transport stops operating within Moffat Beach - Battery Hill, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 765 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 213 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 18.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 109 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per individual stop.

Moffat Beach - Battery Hill's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Moffat Beach - Battery Hill residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~4,256 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.5 and 8.3% of residents, respectively, while 65.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 25.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,076 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Moffat Beach - Battery Hill ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Moffat Beach - Battery Hill was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 81.4% of its population born in Australia, 88.4% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Moffat Beach - Battery Hill is Christianity, which makes up 49.1% of people in the area. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Moffat Beach - Battery Hill are English, comprising 33.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.3% of Moffat Beach - Battery Hill (vs 7.8% regionally), German at 5.1% (vs 4.7%) and New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.9%).

Moffat Beach - Battery Hill hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

With a median age of 48, Moffat Beach - Battery Hill is materially older than the Regional Qld figure of 41 as well as significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 16.2% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.2%. This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.6% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.9% to 8.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 11.9% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.8% to 9.2%. By 2041, Moffat Beach - Battery Hill is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 18% (195 people), reaching 1,271 from 1,075. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 53% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.