Moana

Population growth drivers in Moana are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, Moana's estimated population is around 3,708. This reflects an increase of 392 people (11.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,316 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,609, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 158 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,545 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Moana's 11.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.4%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 36.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian statistical areas, with Moana expected to expand by 606 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12.3% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Moana when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Moana had approximately 28 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 144 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 12 approvals. The average new residents per new home was about 1.9 between FY21 and FY25. Developments averaged $487,000 in construction cost value, indicating a focus on the premium market.

Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $15,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Moana had 75.0% more development activity per person as of recent data. Recent construction comprised 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature. With around 168 people per approval, Moana reflects a developing area.

AreaSearch estimates Moana will grow by 457 residents by 2041, with current development rates expected to comfortably meet demand.

Moana has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two major projects that could impact this region. Key initiatives include Moana Growth Water Main Installation at Ocean View Estate, Sunset Residential Development, and Fleurieu Connections - Main South Road Duplication. These are the projects likely to have the most relevance.

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Moana ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Moana has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.2% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 2,042 residents in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation stands at 69.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, 10.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, professional & technical has limited presence with 3.6% employment compared to 7.3% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2%, labour force increased by 4.2%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In Greater Adelaide, employment grew by 3.0%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Moana. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Moana's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Moana is below the national average. The median income is $55,936 and the average income stands at $62,976. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,858 (median) and $68,518 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Moana, between the 43rd and 51st percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the predominant cohort spans 36.2% of locals (1,342 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 31.8%. After housing, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Moana is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Moana's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moana was 32%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.8% and rented ones at 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Moana was $1,625, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,562. Median weekly rent in Moana was $330, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Moana's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $330 compared to the national figure of $375.

Moana has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 74.9% of all households, consisting of 31.9% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.1%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average for Greater Adelaide.

Moana shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 19.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them; advanced diplomas account for 11.2% and certificates for 30.8%. Educational participation is high at 26.2%, with 9.8% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Moana has 18 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 11 different routes, offering a total of 604 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents living an average of 212 meters from the nearest stop. Most commutes in Moana are outward-bound due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary transport mode, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

Only 10.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census). The service frequency averages 86 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

Moana'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

Moana residents have shown relatively positive health outcomes, according to health data analysed by AreaSearch.

Mortality rates and health conditions were found to be largely consistent with national benchmarks. Common health conditions were observed across both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. Private health cover was reported by approximately 52% of the total population (~1,924 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions in Moana were arthritis (affecting 8.7% of residents) and mental health issues (8.1%), while 68.6% reported having no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (708 people), with health outcomes among seniors being above average and largely in line with national rankings for the general population.

Moana ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Moana's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 75.0% of its population born in Australia, 90.3% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Moana, comprising 36.4% of people. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (38.5%), Australian (26.2%), and Scottish (7.7%). Notably, Welsh (1.1%) and German (4.8%) were overrepresented in Moana compared to regional averages of 0.6% and 5.1%, respectively.

Moana's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Moana is 40 years, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group makes up a strong 14.3% of the population compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.1% to 5.5%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.2% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 11.9%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 12.7% to 11.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes for Moana. Leading this shift, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 24 people (from 441 to 548). Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 50% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 55-64 cohort is projected to decline by 12 people.