Moffat Beach

An assessment of population growth drivers in Moffat Beach reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Moffat Beach's population is estimated at around 2,872 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 181 people (6.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,691 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,861, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,081 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Moffat Beach's 6.7% growth since census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the non-metro area (8.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 244 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Moffat Beach recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Moffat Beach shows around 26 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 133 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 0.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

The average construction cost value for these dwellings is around $940,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In contrast, commercial development approvals totalled $4.2 million in FY-26, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to residential. Moffat Beach has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person compared to the rest of Queensland, but ranks among the 82nd percentile nationally for new dwelling approvals.

The area's new development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (83.0%) and townhouses or apartments (17.0%), maintaining its suburban identity with a focus on family homes. With approximately 125 people per dwelling approval, Moffat Beach has an expanding market. Future projections estimate the location will add around 126 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Moffat Beach has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Moffat Beach Seawall Reconstruction Project, Caloundra Transport Hub, Caloundra Centre Activation Project, and Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (CTCU). The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, Moffat Beach has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Moffat Beach has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.6%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,434 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Moffat Beach is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with healthcare being particularly notable at 1.2 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.8% compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

Over the year ending September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.6%, employment fell by 2.0%, causing a drop in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment increased by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, aligning with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moffat Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Moffat Beach had a median income among taxpayers of $51,605 and an average income of $65,886 in the financial year 2023. These figures are slightly below those for Rest of Qld, which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 9.91% wage growth suggest median income will be approximately $56,719 and average income will be around $72,415. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Moffat Beach rank modestly, between the 44th and 45th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 27.7% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (795 residents), similar to broader trends across the area with 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability is severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 43rd percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Moffat Beach's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.9% houses and 24.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moffat Beach stood at 39.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.2% and rented ones at 31.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Moffat Beach was $400, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Moffat Beach's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375 at $400.

Moffat Beach features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.5% of all households, including 26.0% couples with children, 35.2% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up 28.5%, comprising 23.8% lone person households and 4.4% group households. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Moffat Beach demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Moffat Beach is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of a specific date, 32.4% of residents aged 15+ held university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the Rest of Qld and 23.6% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees were most common at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials were also prevalent, with 36.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas accounted for 12.5% and certificates for 23.5%.

Educational participation was notably high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This included 8.7% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 12 active stops operating within Moffat Beach, serving a mix of bus routes. These are serviced by 4 individual routes, providing 765 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 179 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 109 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 63 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Moffat Beach is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Moffat Beach has significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is more prevalent here than the average SA2 area, at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,531 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.2%) and mental health issues (8.4%). A majority (65.7%) report having no medical ailments compared to 66.2% in Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 23.1% (~663 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, better than the general population's health metrics.

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

Moffat Beach, as per the census data on June 28th, 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. The population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 86.7% holding citizenship, and 80.7% having been born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 95.2% of the residents.

Christianity was the primary religion, practiced by 49.1% of the population. While Judaism had a minimal presence of 0.1%, it was slightly higher than the regional average of 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.2%), Australian (25.3%), and Irish (10.4%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.9% compared to the regional average of 8.8%, as were German (5.6% vs 4.6%) and Dutch (1.7% vs 1.3%) ancestries.

Moffat Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Moffat Beach has a median age of 47 years, which is higher than Rest of Qld's median age of 41 and older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented in Moffat Beach at 16.9%, while the 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.4%. The concentration of the 55 - 64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.1% to 10.8% of Moffat Beach's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 12.7%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 10.5% to 9.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Moffat Beach's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 56 people (an increase of 18%) from 310 to 367. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 53% of total population growth in Moffat Beach, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 - 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.