Moonta

Population growth drivers in Moonta are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Moonta's population is around 5,977 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 760 people (14.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,217 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,709 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 143 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 22 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Moonta's 14.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.4%) and the Rest of SA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 90.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 460 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 3.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Moonta among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Moonta has averaged around 90 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 452 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 40 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.2 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new homes are being built at an average value of $269,000. Additionally, $4.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, supporting the area's residential character.

Compared to the rest of SA, Moonta has 56.0% more construction activity (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. This is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 96.0% detached dwellings and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 70 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Moonta will gain 192 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Moonta has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Dunes Port Hughes, Riverbend Port Hughes, Moonta Bay Lifestyle Estate, and Kadina Wastewater Lagoons Relining, 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.

Employment drivers in Moonta are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Moonta features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 6.5%, and 2.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,025 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.8% above Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation lags significantly (42.4% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 9.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 6.7% employment compared to 14.5% regionally. The 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 employment increasing by 2.8% alongside the labour force increasing by 3.4%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Regional SA, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded by 3.1%, and unemployment rose 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Moonta. 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 Moonta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Moonta SA2's median income among taxpayers is $44,340, with an average of $56,304. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional SA's median of $48,920 and average of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,242 (median) and $61,259 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Moonta all fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 33.0% of the population (1,972 individuals) fall within the $400 - 799 income range, diverging from the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 27.5%. The concentration of 41.5% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. While housing costs are modest with 87.3% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 5th percentile nationally.

Moonta is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Moonta, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.7% houses and 8.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Moonta was well beyond that of Regional SA, at 53.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.5%) or rented (19.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional SA average at $1,200, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Moonta's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Moonta features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 66.3% of all households, comprising 15.5% couples with children, 42.2% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.7%, with lone person households at 31.5% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Moonta 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 (11.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (30.1%).

A substantial 20.5% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Moonta, 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 is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,839 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 14.6% and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 54.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 43.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,579 people), which is higher than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Moonta is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Moonta was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.0% of its population being citizens, 86.4% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Moonta is Christianity, which makes up 48.0% of people in Moonta, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Moonta are English, comprising 36.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 31.1% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 7.0% of Moonta (vs 8.2% regionally), Dutch at 1.3% (vs 1.3%) and Australian Aboriginal at 2.4% (vs 3.3%).

Moonta ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

At 59 years, Moonta's median age notably exceeds the Regional SA average of 47 and the 38-year national average. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (23.6% locally), while 15 - 24 year-olds are under-represented (5.7%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 8.6%. Demographic modeling suggests Moonta's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 93% (264 people), reaching 550 from 285. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 92% of anticipated growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts.