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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Moana statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,710. This figure reflects an increase of 394 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,316. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,609 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, along with an additional 157 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,545 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Moana (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 11.9% between the 2021 Census and Nov 2025, surpassing both the SA3 area's 6.2% growth and the SA4 region's growth rate. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 36.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors. For population projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends project an above median population growth for Australian statistical areas. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Moana (SA2) is expected to expand by 630 persons to reach approximately 4,340 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Moana has received approximately 28 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 144 homes. In FY-26 so far, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost of new homes is $487,000, indicating a focus on premium developments.

In FY-26, $15,000 in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Moana has 75.0% more development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% attached dwellings. Moana reflects a developing area with around 168 people per approval.

By 2041, Moana is projected to grow by 468 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably.

Moana has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely affecting the region: Moana Growth Water Main Installation at Ocean View Estate and Sunset Residential Development; additionally, Fleurieu Connections - Main South Road Duplication is noted for its potential relevance.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Moana performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Moana has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.4% and there was an estimated employment growth of 4.2% over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,043 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is at 65.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. 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 1.6 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services have limited presence with only 3.6% of employment compared to 7.3% regionally. The predominantly residential area offers 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% and labour force increased by 4.1%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with SA's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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 Moana's median income is $55,936 and average income is $62,976. This is lower than Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Moana would be approximately $60,858 (median) and $68,518 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that in Moana, household, family and personal incomes rank modestly between the 43rd and 51st percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 36.2% of locals (1,343 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 31.8%. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. Moana's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Moana, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is comparable to Adelaide metro's 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moana was at 32.0%, similar to Adelaide metro, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (49.8%) or rented (18.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Moana was $1,625, higher than the Adelaide metro average of $1,452. The median weekly rent figure in Moana was recorded at $330, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, Moana's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below 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, which aligns 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 has lower university qualification rates than the Australian average. As of 2016, only 19.6% of residents had a university degree compared to the national average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%).

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.2% and certificates for 30.8%. Educational participation is high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the 2016 Census. 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 active public transport stops. These are served by buses on 11 different routes, offering a total of 604 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 212 meters.

On average, there are 86 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

Moana's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Moana's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, showing a typical prevalence of common health conditions across both young and elderly residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of Moana's total population (~1,925 people), slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's 49.1%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.7% and 8.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 68.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.9% in Greater Adelaide. Moana has 18.7% of residents aged 65 and over (693 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 21%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring the general population's health profile.

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 is the main religion in Moana, comprising 36.4% of people. Judaism's representation was found to be notably overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, with 0.1% in Moana versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth are English (38.5%), Australian (26.2%), and Scottish (7.7%). Notably, Welsh is overrepresented at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, German at 4.8% versus 5.4%, and Russian at 0.4% versus 0.2%.

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. This makes it somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 shows strong representation at 14.5% compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.2% to 12.3%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.1% to 5.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Moana. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 58%, reaching 305 people from 192, leading the demographic shift. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.