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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Moolap is around 1,832. This figure represents an increase of 7 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,825. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,828 following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 53 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Moolap has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above median population growth trends. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 183 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 9.8% in total 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 11 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between financial years FY21 to FY25, around 57 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY26 so far.

The average construction cost value for new properties is $337,000. Moolap records about 61% of the building activity per person compared to the Rest of Vic., placing it among the 72nd percentile nationally. New building activity consists of 56.0% detached houses and 44.0% medium and high-density housing, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options. This shift from the area's existing housing composition of 91.0% houses suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles.

Moolap has around 180 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate Moolap will gain 179 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 19 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are the Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan, Geelong Ring Road Extension (Bellarine Link), Whittington Family and Community Hub, Aldershot Reserve Improvements, with the following list providing more details on 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.

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

Moolap has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with high representation, an unemployment rate of 7.0%, and stable employment over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025, there are 754 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.3% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is lower at 49.4%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Home-based work accounts for a moderate 17.9% of jobs, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment share is particularly high at 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.3%, below Regional Vic.'s 7.5%.

There are 2.3 workers per resident, indicating Moolap functions as an employment hub attracting external workers. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.4% and employment declined by 0.4%, increasing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw a 0.6% employment decline and 0.7% labour force decline with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies by industry sector. 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider local population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Moolap had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Moolap was $49,509 and the average income stood at $58,458. These figures compared with Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $53,593 for the median income and $63,281 for the average income in Moolap. The 2021 Census showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Moolap all fell between the 15th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicated that the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominated with 31.6% of residents (578 people), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 30.3%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remained, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

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

Moolap's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.0% houses and 8.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moolap stood at 53.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.0% and rented ones at 14.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,907, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Moolap was $290, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Moolap's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 27.5%, with lone person households at 25.4% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the regional Victorian average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 12.9% and certificates for 30.4%.

A total of 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.

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 serviced by 19 routes. These routes facilitate 1,885 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents located an average of 423 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 93%, while 4% walk to their destinations. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling in Moolap.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. All routes combined provide an average of 269 trips per day, equating to approximately 69 weekly trips per stop.

Moolap's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data for Moolap shows positive outcomes overall, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~916 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.8%) and mental health issues (8.4%). 54.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. Moolap has 43.5% of residents aged 65 and over (796 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, similar to national rankings for 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 was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 84.2% of its population born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Moolap is Christianity, comprising 58.5% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The top three ancestry groups are English (33.0%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (9.9%).

Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented at 2.6%, compared to 1.7% regionally, Scottish ancestry is also overrepresented at 9.3%, compared to 8.8%, and Maltese ancestry is overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to 0.5%.

Moolap ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Moolap's median age is 58, which is significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 17.1% of Moolap's population, compared to Regional Vic., while the 5-14 cohort makes up 7.0%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is well above Australia's national figure of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 7.9% to 10.4%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 7.6% to 9.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 8.5%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 8.5% to 7.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Moolap's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 33%, reaching 253 people from its current figure of 190. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.