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, the suburb of Moffat Beach's population is estimated at around 2,815 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 124 people (4.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,691 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,793, 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 2,039 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

It should be noted that 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected. The suburb is expected to increase by 240 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.4% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Moffat Beach according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Moffat Beach shows around 23 residential properties approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 118 homes were approved, with another 6 in FY-26 so far. This results in about 0.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

New supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and potential for population growth beyond current forecasts. Average construction value of new properties is $940,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development. This financial year has seen $3.9 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential.

Moffat Beach has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person compared to Rest of Qld and ranks among the 76th percentile nationally for new dwelling approvals per capita. New developments consist of 82.0% detached dwellings and 18.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. The population density is approximately 157 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Future projections estimate Moffat Beach will add 179 residents by 2041 based on current AreaSearch quarterly estimates and development patterns. Current development trends suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Moffat Beach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 12 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Moffat Beach Seawall Reconstruction Project, Caloundra Transport Hub, Caloundra Centre Activation Project, and Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (CTCU). The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, 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 3.3%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 1473 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld at 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Health care & social assistance has a notable concentration with levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.8% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, and employment decreased by 1.1%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Moffat Beach's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

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

Moffat Beach's median income among taxpayers was $51,605 and average income stood at $65,886 in financial year 2022. These figures compare to national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $58,825 and average income is $75,103 as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes rank modestly in Moffat Beach, between the 44th and 45th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 27.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (779 residents), consistent with broader trends showing 31.7% in the same category nationally. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 43rd percentile. The area'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

Dwelling structure in Moffat Beach, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 75.9% houses and 24.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moffat Beach was at 39.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.2%) or rented (31.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400. Nationally, Moffat Beach's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported on 29 June 2021, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375, also reported on the same date.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 28.5%, with lone person households at 23.8% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is 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

Moffat Beach has higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. 32.4% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 23.6% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 12.5% and certificates for 23.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education. Schools appear to be located outside Moffat Beach's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 12 operational public transport stops in Moffat Beach. These stops facilitate mixed bus services. Four distinct routes serve these stops, collectively accommodating 848 weekly passenger trips.

Residential accessibility to public transport is rated excellent, with typical resident locations 179 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 121 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 70 weekly trips per individual 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 faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1,500 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.2% and 8.4% of residents respectively. However, 65.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.2% across Rest of Qld. The area has 23.1% of residents aged 65 and over (650 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in 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 had low cultural diversity, with 86.7% of residents being citizens and 80.7% born in Australia. Most spoke English only at home (95.2%). Christianity was the predominant religion (49.1%).

Judaism was slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages (0.1% vs 0.1%). Top ancestry groups were English (33.2%), Australian (25.3%), and Irish (10.4%). Scottish, German, and Dutch ethnicities were notably more prevalent in Moffat Beach than regionally (9.9% vs 8.8%, 5.6% vs 4.6%, and 1.7% vs 1.3% respectively).

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 41 years and older than the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Moffat Beach at 16.9%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.4%. This concentration of the 55-64 cohort is significantly higher than the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 9.1% to 10.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 14.7% to 12.7% and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 10.5% to 9.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Moffat Beach's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 65 people (22%), from 301 to 367. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.