Moolap

Moolap lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Population analysis for the suburb of Moolap, based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validation, indicates an estimated population of around 1,808 as of Nov 2025. This shows a decrease of 17 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,825. The current figure is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validation of 31 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 52 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods for Moolap.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting with weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels and applying growth rates by age group across all areas until 2041. According to these trends, Moolap is expected to grow by around 190 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 9.7% over the 17 years.

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

Moolap has seen approximately 14 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 71 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY-26. The average construction cost value for these properties is $337,000, which is lower than regional levels.

This indicates more affordable housing options for buyers. In terms of commercial development, Moolap has registered $13.1 million in approvals this financial year, suggesting balanced activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Moolap has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 59th percentile nationally. New developments consist of equal parts standalone homes and medium/high-density housing, a shift from the area's current 91% houses. This denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

The location has approximately 257 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts estimate Moolap will gain 175 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, supporting good buying conditions and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Moolap has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan, Geelong Ring Road Extension (Bellarine Link), Whittington Family and Community Hub, Aldershot Reserve Improvements. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Moolap face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Moolap has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent with an unemployment rate of 6.9% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.4%. The area's unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Vic.'s, at 3.2% versus 3.8%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags significantly, at 40.6% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction employs 1.6 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.3% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. As at the Census, there are 2.3 jobs per resident, indicating Moolap functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.4% while labour force increased by 3.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.9%, the labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moolap's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Moolap had a median income of $49,509 and an average of $58,458 among taxpayers. Nationally, these figures are lower than the average. Rest of Vic.'s median was $48,741 with an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Moolap would be approximately $55,529 (median) and $65,566 (average) by September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Moolap fall between the 15th and 18th percentiles nationally. The $800 - 1,499 bracket dominates with 31.6% of residents (571 people), differing from surrounding regions where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.3%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally. Moolap's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

In Moolap, as assessed at the latest Census, 91.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic., where 84.6% of dwellings were houses and 15.4% were other dwelling types. Home ownership in Moolap stood at 53.9%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 32.0% and rented dwellings accounting for 14.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,907, exceeding Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. The median weekly rent figure in Moolap was recorded at $290, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335. Nationally, Moolap's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Moolap has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.5% of all households, including 23.1% couples with children, 41.8% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.5%, with lone person households at 25.4% and group households making up 1.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Moolap fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has lower university qualification rates at 16.7%, compared to the VIC average of 33.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common (12.1%), followed by graduate diplomas (2.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 30.4%.

A significant 24.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.9% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education. Moolap Primary School serves the local area with an enrollment of 200 students, offering typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 974) and balanced educational opportunities. The school caters exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 11.1, below the regional average of 16.7, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Moolap has 27 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that collectively facilitate 1,187 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents on average located 423 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 169 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 43 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Moolap is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Moolap faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 50% (~904 people) have private health cover, lower than the Victorian average of 52.7%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.8%) and mental health issues (8.4%). Conversely, 54.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% in the rest of Victoria. Moolap has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 43.2% (781 people), compared to the Victorian average of 16.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average and better than those of the general population.

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

Moolap showed lower cultural diversity, with 84.2% born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 58.5%, compared to 47.4% regionally. The top ancestral groups were English (33.0%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (9.9%).

Notably, Dutch (2.6%) and Scottish (9.3%) were overrepresented, while Maltese (0.9%) showed a higher representation compared to regional averages of 2.0%, 8.3%, and 0.5% respectively.

Moolap ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Moolap's median age is 59, which is significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Rest of Vic., Moolap has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (17.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.2%). This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national figure of 6.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group grew from 7.9% to 9.7%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 7.6% to 8.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 8.5% to 7.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Moolap's age structure. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 41%, adding 72 residents to reach a total of 248. Meanwhile, both the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.