Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Moana has an estimated 3,865 residents, up from 3,316 at the 2021 Census — a change of 549 people, or 16.6%. Growth has averaged 3.6% a year over five years, faster than 87% of areas nationally. 158 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. That puts 1,610 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to ABS population updates evaluated for the surrounding region alongside validated addresses added by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Moana has a population estimated at 3,865 as of May 2026. Compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 3,316 residents, this represents a growth of 549 individuals (16.6%). This growth calculation relies on an estimated resident population of 3,856 calculated by AreaSearch, combining the ABS June 2025 ERP release with 158 verified new addresses since the Census. The suburb of Moana has a population density of 1,610 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical level across locations analyzed by AreaSearch.
The suburb of Moana recorded a growth rate of 16.6% since the 2021 census, which was higher than the SA3 area (5.8%) and the SA4 region, positioning the locality as a regional leader in expansion. Recent population gains were mainly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 36.0% of total growth, though interstate migration and natural growth also made positive contributions. Projections for each SA2 territory are sourced from the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia release, using 2022 as the base year. Where these projections are unavailable, or for periods past 2032, calculations integrate the SA State Government's 2023 age-specific Regional/LGA projections (based on 2021 numbers), applying weighted aggregation to scale growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future trends indicate the suburb of Moana will experience population growth above the national median, with aggregated SA2 projections indicating an addition of 603 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 15.4% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
167 new dwellings have been approved in Moana over the past five years, an average of 33 a year. That places the area in the 85th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 9 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 29 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 97% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 29, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Building approvals from the ABS, mapped from statistical area data, show that approximately 33 residential properties receive development approval each year, with an estimated total of 167 approvals over the last 5 financial years. In the current financial year of FY-26, 27 approvals have been logged. With an average of 3.7 individuals relocating to the neighborhood for every home completed between FY-21 and FY-25, demand is outstripping supply, creating upward pressure on prices and heightening buyer competition. The average value of these new approvals is $487,000, showing that developers are targeting the premium market with upscale builds.
Furthermore, commercial approvals worth $15,000 have been registered in the current financial year, highlighting that the area is mostly residential. Per capita construction activity is 98.0% higher than the rate in Greater Adelaide, providing buyers with many options. Detached houses account for 97.0% of new residential projects, while townhouses or apartments make up 3.0%, reinforcing the suburban character with large homes for buyers seeking extra space. The ratio of 103 people per approval indicates that this is an expanding market. Long-term forecasts suggest the suburb of Moana will add 594 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. Current construction trends suggest that incoming housing supply will easily satisfy demand, creating favorable buyer conditions and potentially driving population growth above the predicted levels.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Moana
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Moana. A further 12 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $2.75 billion. 3 are already under construction and 3 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, retail and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major developments have a significant impact on local growth. AreaSearch has tracked a total of 2 key projects that are expected to influence the locality. Significant projects include the Moana Growth Water Main Installation, Ocean View Estate, Sunset Residential Development, and Fleurieu Connections - Main South Road Duplication, with the most relevant details provided in the list.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Ocean View Estate
An exclusive boutique residential estate in Maslin Beach, offering land for new homes and house and land packages, including the 'Ashford' design with 'Vantage' facade. The estate provides a luxury living experience near the beach and the McLaren Vale wine region, with flat land ready for new homes or holiday escapes. Lot sizes include 702sqm, with pricing starting from $1,090,298 for select packages.
Sunset Residential Development
A 42-hectare master-planned residential community featuring 644 allotments with land sizes up to 540m2. The development includes 15% affordable and social housing outcomes, extensive green spaces including a major north-south walking trail connecting to Onkaparinga River Recreation Park. Located in a prime coastal position with proximity to South Australian beaches and McLaren Vale wine region.
Fleurieu Connections - Main South Road Duplication
Duplication of Main South Road between Sellicks Beach and Victor Harbor, improving safety and reducing travel times to the Fleurieu Peninsula. The project includes new overtaking lanes, intersection upgrades and safety improvements.
Seaford Rail Extension
5.7km extension of dual track rail line from Noarlunga Centre to Seaford District Centre. Includes new railway stations at Seaford Meadows and Seaford with park-and-ride facilities, improving public transport access to southern suburbs.
Victor Harbor Road Duplication
Duplication of approximately four kilometres of Victor Harbor Road between Main South Road (Old Noarlunga) and Main Road (McLaren Vale) to improve safety, traffic flow and capacity, including a new four-way, two-lane roundabout at Robinson Road and the realignment of Quarry Road. All lanes are now open to traffic and the project is complete as part of the broader Fleurieu Connections program delivered by the Fleurieu Connections Alliance.
Majors Road Interchange
The $120 million Majors Road Interchange project, jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, constructed new on and off-ramps for the Southern Expressway at Majors Road. It included widening the Majors Road bridge to six lanes, signalised intersection improvements, and a new 1.8km shared user path. The project improved access to Glenthorne National Park and was officially opened to traffic in October 2025.
Main South Road Duplication Stage 1 - Aldinga Project
Stage 1 of the Main South Road Duplication between Seaford and Aldinga has been completed and is open to traffic. The project duplicated approximately 10 km of Main South Road, improving safety, reducing congestion and supporting tourism and regional growth on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It forms the first stage of the broader Fleurieu Connections program.
Noarlunga Master Planning Housing Project
A 22-hectare master-planned residential development delivering more than 626 new homes across two land parcels on either side of Lovelock Drive in Port Noarlunga and Noarlunga Downs. The project features a minimum of 28% affordable and social housing (including 80 social housing dwellings), and 12.5% new public open space with a target of 25% overall tree canopy. Designed by Holmes Dyer, the development targets a 5-Star Green Star Communities rating. Civil works by Winslow Constructors commenced in 2025, with house construction planned to begin in 2026 and first residents expected by end of 2026.Multiple sales releases are underway including the Wirra and Kauwi Releases. The community will become home to approximately 1,200 residents over a 7-10 year delivery period through to 2031.
2,260 residents of Moana are employed, from a labour force of 2,311. Unemployment sits at 2.2%, with participation at 72.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 2,747, about 71% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is highly skilled with a strong presence in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of 2.2% and an annual employment expansion of 7.3% according to AreaSearch statistical area data. In March 2026, 2,260 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate sat 1.6% lower than the 3.8% recorded across Greater Adelaide. The workforce participation rate is high at 72.0%, compared to 66.6% in Greater Adelaide. Census records show that a minor portion of the workforce, 10.4%, worked from home, though this may reflect the impact of pandemic lockdowns.
The top sectors employing residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The construction sector has a significant presence, employing 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for 3.6% of jobs compared to 7.3% across the region. The mismatch between the census working population and the resident population suggests that this residential area provides few local jobs. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the broader statistical area reveals that in the 12 months to March 2026, employment grew by 7.3% and the labour force grew by 7.0%, leading to a decrease in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Over the same period, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 4.0%, and a decline in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, provide context on future demand. These projections for five and ten-year intervals were compared with the local job profile to estimate growth. Although the nationwide workforce is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by industry. Weighting these projections against the local job profile indicates that employment could rise by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, representing a simple weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Moana is $1,631 a week (about $85,000 a year), with median personal income at $810 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $55,936 a year against an average of $62,976. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer statistics from the ATO for financial year 2023 show that income levels are below the national average. The median income among taxpayers is $55,936, and the average income is $62,976, compared to Greater Adelaide averages of $54,808 and $66,852. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, the estimated figures for March 2026 are $61,625 for the median and $69,381 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes were moderate, falling between the 43rd and 51st percentiles. The largest income bracket contains 36.2% of residents (1,399 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the regional trend where 31.8% fall into this bracket.
Residents retain 84.9% of their income for non-housing expenses, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Moana had 1,277 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 89% detached houses and 8% apartments. 50% are owned with a mortgage, 18% rented and 32% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $330 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,625 a month. Rent absorbs 20.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data shows that houses make up 89.3% of the housing stock, while other structures like townhouses, apartments, and alternative dwellings comprise 10.7%, compared to 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings across metropolitan Adelaide. Home ownership matches the metropolitan average of 32.0%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (49.8%) or renters (18.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,625 is higher than the metropolitan average of $1,562, while the median weekly rent of $330 compares to $320 in metropolitan Adelaide. Nationally, local mortgage payments are below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Moana counted 1,277 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,488 today, averaging 2.5 people each. 32% are couples with children, against 30% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 74.9% of households, consisting of couples with children at 31.9%, couples without children at 30.4%, and single parent households at 12.2%. The remaining 25.1% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 22.8% and group living situations representing 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is equal to the Greater Adelaide average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.6% of adults in Moana hold a university qualification, including 13.9% with a bachelor degree and 3.3% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 83% of areas nationally. A further 30.8% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local population has low university qualification rates, with 19.6% holding degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%, presenting opportunities for targeted education programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 13.9%, with postgraduate degrees at 3.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational and technical skills are highly represented, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (30.8%). A high proportion of residents are studying, with 26.2% enrolled in education. This includes 9.8% in primary schools, 7.4% in secondary schools, and 3.9% in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Moana reaches 18 stops on 11 routes, timetabled for about 600 services a week. The typical home sits about 210 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport options include 18 bus stops located within the boundary. These stops are served by 11 separate routes, which provide a total of 604 weekly passenger trips. Public transport accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 212 meters from their closest stop. As this is a residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area, and private cars are the main transport mode at 92%. Dwellings average 1.6 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. A small portion of residents, 10.4%, work from home, based on 2021 Census data that may reflect pandemic conditions.
Service frequency across all routes averages 86 trips per day, which translates to approximately 33 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.6% of residents in Moana report no long-term health condition. 4.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 51.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators are positive, with mortality rates and chronic illnesses matching national benchmarks across younger and older demographics. Private health insurance coverage is slightly below the average SA2 area, representing approximately 52% of the population (~2,005 people). Arthritis and mental health concerns are the most common diagnoses, affecting 8.7% and 8.1% of residents. Meanwhile, 68.6% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health indicators for the working-age population are typical. Residents aged 65 and over make up 18.9% of the population (730 people), and seniors show above-average health profiles that align with the national average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
25.0% of Moana residents were born overseas and 4.9% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (38.5%) and Australian (26.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is below the national average, with 75.0% of the population born in Australia, 90.3% holding citizenship, and 95.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the main religion, practiced by 36.4% of the population. Judaism shows the highest relative overrepresentation, accounting for 0.1% of the population, which matches the 0.1% proportion across Greater Adelaide. The top ancestries reported are English at 38.5%, which is higher than the regional average of 27.8%, followed by Australian at 26.2%, and Scottish at 7.7%. Specific ethnic representations differ from the regional averages, with Welsh at 1.1% (compared to 0.6% regionally), German at 4.8% (compared to 5.1%), and Russian at 0.4% (compared to 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Moana is 40. 25.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 40 years is close to the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and slightly older than the Australian median of 38 years. The 55 - 64 age bracket is highly represented at 14.2% relative to Greater Adelaide, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 12.5%. Post-2021 Census figures show the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.1% to 5.5% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group has risen from 11.2% to 12.5%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.6% to 11.8%, and the 5 to 14 cohort fell from 12.7% to 11.4%.
Population projections for 2041 indicate demographic shifts, with the 45 to 54 group expected to grow by 27% (122 people), rising from 456 to 579, while the 55 to 64 group is projected to decrease by 6 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Moana
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2025. | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 158 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,316 at the 2021 Census → 3,865 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL40895). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.