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 since the Census, Moana's population is estimated at around 3,865 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 549 people (16.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,316 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,856 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 158 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,610 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Moana's 16.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.8%), along with 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, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 603 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 15.4% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Moana among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Moana shows an average of 28 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25142 homes were approved, with a further 17 approved so far in FY-26. This results in approximately 3.6 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $487,000, indicating that developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, $15,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Moana has 70.0% more new home approvals per person than Greater Adelaide, offering buyers ample choice.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years, with new building activity showing 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% townhouses or apartments. This sustains the area's suburban identity, concentrating on family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Moana reflects a developing area with around 178 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Moana will gain 594 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Moana has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

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

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Moana performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Moana has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 7.2%. As of December 2025, 2,240 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was higher at 71.3% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, 10.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction had notably high concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services had limited presence with 3.6% employment compared to 7.2% regionally. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 7.2% while labour force increased by 6.7%, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Moana. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth 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.

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

The suburb of Moana had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Moana was $55,936 and the average income stood at $62,976. In comparison, Greater Adelaide's figures were $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $61,625 (median) and $69,381 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Moana ranked modestly, between the 43rd and 51st percentiles. The predominant income cohort spanned 36.2% of locals (1,399 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.8% similarly occupied this range. After housing expenses, 84.9% of income remained for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the fifth decile.

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

Moana's dwelling structure at the latest Census showed 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moana was 32.0%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (49.8%) or rented (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 substantially 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 constitute 74.9% of all households, including 31.9% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.1%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the Greater Adelaide average.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 30.8%. Educational participation is 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, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 11 distinct routes, offering a total of 604 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 212 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, outward commuting is prevalent; cars remain the primary mode at 92%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, surpassing regional averages. Only 10.4% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census).

Service frequency across all routes averages 86 trips daily, translating to approximately 33 weekly trips per 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

Health data for Moana shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are standard across age cohorts. Private health cover is at approximately 52% of the total population (~2,005 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.7 and 8.1% respectively. About 68.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. Moana has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (730 people). Senior health outcomes are above average, similar to 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. It had 75.0% of its population born in Australia, with 90.3% being citizens and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 36.4% of Moana's people.

Judaism, however, showed notable overrepresentation, making up 0.1% compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%. For ancestry, the top groups were English (38.5%, regional average 27.8%), Australian (26.2%) and Scottish (7.7%). Welsh (1.1% vs regional 0.6%) and German (4.8% vs 5.1%) were overrepresented, while Russian was slightly higher at 0.4% compared to the region's 0.3%.

Moana's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Moana as of 2021 was 40 years, similar to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years but slightly older than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group constituted 14.2% of the population in Moana, higher than that of Greater Adelaide. Conversely, the 25-34 age cohort made up 12.5%, which was lower compared to Greater Adelaide. Post-census data shows that between 2016 and 2021, the 75-84 age group grew from 4.1% to 5.5% of the population, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.2% to 12.5%. During this period, the 45-54 age group declined from 13.6% to 11.8%, and the 5-14 age group decreased from 12.7% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for Moana in 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 27 people, reaching a total of 579 from 456. Conversely, the 55-64 age cohort is expected to decrease by 6 people.