Moonah

Moonah has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Moonah's population is estimated at around 5,703 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 181 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,884 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,703, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 54 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,008 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 that contributed approximately 67.0% of overall 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 to estimate growth by age group in the years post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected for the suburb of Moonah, with an increase of 369 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.5% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Moonah is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Moonah has seen approximately 12 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 63 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved in FY-26 to date. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been relatively adequate, benefiting buyers while offering more affordable housing options with an average construction cost of $148,000.

This financial year has seen $17.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Hobart, Moonah records significantly lower building activity, 52.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This activity is also lower than national averages, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 85.0% houses. Moonah's population density is around 1290 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. Future projections estimate an increase of 369 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections, although buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Future projections show Moonah adding 369 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Moonah has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor (NSTC), YMCA Glenorchy Redevelopment, Homes Tasmania Social Housing Program, and Hobart City High School redevelopment. The following list details those likely to be most 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.

Moonah has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Moonah has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors being well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6%. As of December 2025, there were 3,169 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 1.0% above Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was at 69.3%, higher than Greater Hobart's 63.7%. According to Census responses, only 7.1% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has a particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

In contrast, construction employs just 6.8% of local workers, below Greater Hobart's 8.7%. There is one worker for every resident, indicating that Moonah functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.6% while labour force decreased by 0.1%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Hobart experienced employment growth of 0.1% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a drop of 0.2 percentage points in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast 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 Moonah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

Moonah's income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers is $49,167 and the average income stands at $54,417, compared to Greater Hobart's figures of $54,577 and $65,190 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.95% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,551 (median) and $60,376 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Moonah, between the 30th and 35th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.5% of residents (1,910 people), mirroring the surrounding region where 32.2% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 29th percentile.

Moonah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Moonah's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.8% houses and 15.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moonah was at 28.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.6% and rented ones at 40.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, below Hobart metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Moonah was $330, compared to Hobart metro's $350. Nationally, Moonah's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Moonah features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 61.1% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households comprising 5.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, aligning with the Greater Hobart average.

Moonah shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

In Moonah, the proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is significantly higher than broader averages at 36.1%, compared to 23.3% in the SA3 area and 25.5% in Tasmania overall. This educational advantage is driven by a high number of residents holding bachelor degrees (20.0%), postgraduate qualifications (12.9%), and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.3% of residents possessing them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (19.0%). Educational participation is notably high in Moonah, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.7% in primary education, 5.8% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Moonah has 45 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 73 different routes, offering a total of 4,470 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents typically living 178 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily. Cars remain the primary mode at 76%, followed by buses at 14% and walking at 6%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.1% of residents work from home, which might be due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 638 trips are made daily, translating to about 99 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Moonah faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,779 people), compared to 51.7% across Greater Hobart, and 55.7% nationally.

Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 10.7% and 8.6% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 68.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% across Greater Hobart. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (923 people), which is lower than the 20.0% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Moonah was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Moonah's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local areas, with 28.7% born overseas and 25.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Moonah, making up 35.3%. Hinduism had a higher representation in Moonah at 8.8%, compared to the Greater Hobart average of 2.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.0%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (14.3%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 7.4%. Notably, Polish (1.2% vs 0.8%), Vietnamese (1.0% vs 0.3%), and Indian (2.9% vs 1.2%) groups were more represented in Moonah compared to regional averages.

Moonah's population is younger than the national pattern

Moonah's median age is 35, which is younger than Greater Hobart's figure of 39 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group has a strong representation in Moonah at 21.1%, compared to Greater Hobart, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 9.0%. This 25-34 concentration is higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 13.9% to 17.5%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 8.4% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 23.7% to 21.1% and the 15-24 group dropped from 10.7% to 9.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Moonah's age structure. The 45-54 group is expected to grow by 58%, reaching 1,020 people from the current 644. Meanwhile, both the 25-34 and 65-74 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.