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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Moonah has an estimated 5,703 residents, down from 5,884 at the 2021 Census — a change of 181 people, or 3.1%. The population has thinned by an average 0.8% a year over five years, slower than 98% of areas nationally. That puts 2,008 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the broader region and address verifications by AreaSearch, the suburb of Moonah has an estimated population of 5,703 as of May 2026. This indicates a contraction of 181 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 5,884 people. This shift was determined from the 5,703 estimate calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS ERP update (June 2025) alongside 54 validated new addresses added since the Census. With this population level, the density stands at 2,008 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio found across locations analyzed by AreaSearch.
The primary driver of population gains lately was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 67.0% of the increases. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilized for each SA2. For areas lacking this coverage, and to project age bracket changes after 2032, regional projections from the Tasmania State Government (released in 2022 with a 2021 baseline) are integrated via a weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 level. Future trends point to a growth rate slightly below the national median, with the suburb of Moonah projected to add 369 residents by 2041, representing a total expansion of 6.5% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
63 new dwellings have been approved in Moonah over the past five years, an average of 12 a year. That is 2.1 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 13, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to building approval figures compiled by AreaSearch from localized statistics, the suburb of Moonah averages approximately 12 residential approvals annually, amounting to 63 homes over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 12 approvals have been registered. Because the population has shrunk recently, the volume of new completions has likely matched local demand to give purchasers sufficient choice, with new housing constructed at an average cost of $148,000—a figure below the regional average that points to more affordable housing options. Additionally, commercial development approvals reached $17.4 million this financial year, showing ongoing commercial investment.
Relative to Greater Hobart, building activity in the suburb of Moonah is significantly lower, tracking at 52.0% below the regional average per capita. This limited construction pace typically supports pricing and demand for established residences. Building activity is also below the national standard, indicating a mature market and potential development limits. The mix of new construction includes 57.0% detached houses and 43.0% multi-dwelling units like apartments and townhouses, offering diverse options across price tiers. This represents a distinct shift from the current housing stock, which is 85.0% standalone houses, illustrating a reduction in available vacant land and a response to changing lifestyle and affordability requirements. With roughly 1276 people per approval, the suburb of Moonah exhibits the characteristics of an established community. According to recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch, the suburb of Moonah is projected to grow by 369 residents by 2041. While building activity is matching these projections, incoming residents may face tougher competition for properties as the population increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Moonah
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Moonah, worth an estimated $960 million. A further 50 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $6.02 billion. 20 are already under construction and 17 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure updates, major works, and planning frameworks play a key role in local performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 developments that are expected to impact the local community. Major projects include the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor (NSTC), the YMCA Glenorchy Redevelopment, the Homes Tasmania Social Housing Program, and the Hobart City High School redevelopment, with details provided below for the most significant ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor (NSTC)
A transformative urban renewal and transport initiative under the Hobart City Deal focused on the 4km corridor between Glenorchy and New Town. The project aims to activate a disused rail corridor for a high-frequency Rapid Bus Transit (RBT) network while stimulating medium-density housing and mixed-use development. As of early 2026, the project is a priority for federal funding following the submission of a comprehensive 368-page Strategic Business Case. It seeks to integrate land-use planning with sustainable transport to improve housing affordability and reduce congestion in Hobart's northern suburbs.
Royal Hobart Showgrounds Redevelopment (Wilkinsons Point Precinct)
A comprehensive transformation of the 12.7-hectare Royal Hobart Showgrounds. Stage 1 involves a $50 million investment in a new pavilion, 1,500-seat theatre, auditoriums, an arena, and a plaza for 100 market stalls. The broader masterplan includes a $300 million vision to deliver 450 new homes, featuring 150 social and affordable units. The precinct will serve as a modern community hub and emergency centre while remaining the permanent home of the Royal Hobart Show. Main works construction commenced in early 2026 following the demolition of legacy structures.
TasWater Moonah Infrastructure Upgrades
TasWater is undertaking essential water and wastewater infrastructure upgrade works across the Moonah network and surrounding facilities. The project enhances service reliability, renews aging pipeline assets, and supports regional population and urban development demands across Greater Hobart.
Greater Hobart Urban Growth Boundary Extension
A Tasmanian Government initiative extending the Greater Hobart urban growth boundary by 615 hectares across Brighton, Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart, Kingborough, and Sorell. The strategic expansion unlocks land capacity for approximately 10,000 new dwellings over a 15 to 20 year horizon. The framework is integrated with the Southern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy (STRLUS) to guide residential development and infrastructure servicing.
Hobart City High School Redevelopment
Completed redevelopment of Hobart City High School's New Town campus delivering a new learning and social heart, flexible learning spaces, upgraded science and art facilities, refurbished outdoor areas and improved student amenities. The project was delivered as part of the Tasmanian Government's education infrastructure program.
Medical Centre Redevelopment - Cadbury Road (Claremont)
Proposed redevelopment and expansion of the Claremont Medical Centre to provide additional consulting rooms, specialist medical services and improved patient facilities for the growing Claremont community. No evidence was found that the project has progressed beyond the planning stage.
Moonah Arts Centre
State-of-the-art arts and cultural centre in Moonah featuring exhibition spaces, performance venues, community workshops and creative studios. The centre supports local artists and provides cultural programming for the northern suburbs. Community arts centre opened in 2015, hosting regular events, exhibitions, and community programs including the Moonah Bazaar multicultural market.
Hobart Heritage Rail Project
Volunteer-led project by the Tasmanian Transport Museum to progressively restore and operate the former TasRail suburban railway between Glenorchy and Granton. Heritage passenger services commenced between Elwick Road and Grove Road in 2023 and were extended to Berriedale Road in December 2025 following rail safety accreditation. Future works include level crossing upgrades, extension to Mentmore Street and ultimately Granton, subject to funding and approvals.
3,160 residents of Moonah are employed, from a labour force of 3,342. Unemployment sits at 5.4%, with participation at 69.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 6,993, about 123% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Moonah has a highly educated workforce, a strong concentration of service workers, an unemployment rate of 5.4%, and an employment expansion rate of 0.5% over the last year. As of March 2026, there are 3,160 employed residents. The local unemployment rate is 1.0% higher than the Greater Hobart level of 4.4%, while workforce participation is notably elevated at 69.4% compared to the regional rate of 63.8%. According to Census data, only 7.1% of residents worked from home, though this may reflect the influence of pandemic restrictions. Local employment is heavily represented in healthcare & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade.
The suburb of Moonah is particularly specialized in accommodation & food, where the job share is 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, construction accounts for only 6.8% of the workforce, which is below the Greater Hobart average of 8.7%. With 1.0 workers for every local resident at the time of the Census, the area is a jobs hub, hosting more positions than working residents and drawing commuters from neighboring areas. Data from the SALM and ABS indicates that for the 12 months ending March 2026, local employment grew by 0.5% while the labor force expanded by 0.3%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. During the same period, Greater Hobart saw employment decline by 0.1% and labor force growth of 0.2%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. Employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia (released May-25) help illustrate future workforce demand. Mapped against the local industry mix, these projections suggest that while national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, local employment in the suburb of Moonah should match these figures with growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Moonah is $1,421 a week (about $74,000 a year), with median personal income at $733 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $49,167 a year against an average of $54,417. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The suburb of Moonah's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb of Moonah's median income among taxpayers is $49,167 and the average income stands at $54,417, which compares to figures for Greater Hobart's 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Moonah had 2,343 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 85% detached houses and 5% apartments. 32% are owned with a mortgage, 40% rented and 28% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $330 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,387 a month. Rent absorbs 23.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential structures in the suburb of Moonah at the last Census consisted of 84.8% standalone houses and 15.2% alternative dwellings such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 85.3% houses and 14.7% alternative structures across metropolitan Hobart. Home ownership rates lag the metropolitan average at 28.2%, with mortgaged properties making up 31.6% and rentals accounting for 40.2%. The median monthly mortgage payment was below the metro Hobart average at $1,387, while weekly rent was $330, compared to regional averages of $1,517 and $350. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Moonah counted 2,343 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.4 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 75% of areas nationally, against 23% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.3 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 61.1% of all households, consisting of 23.4% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. The remaining 38.9% are non-family households, which include single person households at 33.0% and group housing setups at 5.8%. The median size of households is 2.4 people, matching the average for Greater Hobart.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
36.1% of adults in Moonah hold a university qualification, including 20.0% with a bachelor degree and 12.9% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 19.0% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 418 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 988 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational profiles in the suburb of Moonah exceed broader benchmarks, with 36.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding tertiary qualifications, compared to 23.3% in the SA3 and 25.5% across Tasmania. Bachelor degrees are held by 20.0% of the population, followed by postgraduate degrees at 12.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Vocational qualifications are also common, with 27.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade certifications, split between advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (19.0%). Schooling enrollment is high, with 29.4% of residents actively undertaking formal education. This proportion includes 8.7% in primary school, 5.8% in high school, and 5.7% studying at the tertiary level.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Moonah reaches 45 stops on 73 routes, timetabled for about 4,500 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.1 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit networks include 45 active transit stops in the suburb of Moonah, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 73 separate routes, delivering 4,470 weekly passenger trips. Transport links are highly accessible, with residents living an average of 178 meters from a stop. Most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars being the primary mode at 76%, followed by buses at 14% and walking at 6%. Car ownership stands at 1.1 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. A low 7.1% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data collected during pandemic conditions.
Transit service frequency averages 638 daily trips across all routes, which translates to about 99 weekly trips at each transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.3% of residents in Moonah report no long-term health condition. 5.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
There are notable healthcare challenges in the suburb of Moonah, with elevated chronic condition rates and a low level of private health insurance coverage, which sits at approximately 49% of the population (~2,779 people). This is below the Greater Hobart average of 51.7% and the national standard of 55.7%. Mental health conditions and arthritis are the most prevalent diagnoses, affecting 10.7% and 8.6% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 68.3% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, which is higher than the 65.5% average across Greater Hobart. Working-age residents experience chronic conditions at rates above the benchmark.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 16.2% of the population (923 people), which is lower than the Greater Hobart average of 20.0%. Health trends among the elderly align with national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
28.7% of Moonah residents were born overseas and 25.9% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (27.0%) and Australian (23.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Moonah shows high cultural diversity relative to most markets, with 28.7% of the population born outside Australia and 25.9% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the main religious affiliation, representing 35.3% of the community. Hinduism is notably represented at 8.8%, which is significantly higher than the Greater Hobart average of 2.8%. Ancestry records show the main backgrounds are English at 27.0%, Australian at 23.7%, and Other ancestries at 14.3% (exceeding the regional average of 7.4%). Other ethnic cohorts show notable variances, with Polish ancestry at 1.2% (compared to 0.8% regionally), Vietnamese at 1.0% (compared to 0.3%), and Indian at 2.9% (compared to 1.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Moonah is 35, younger than 76% of areas nationally. 30.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in the suburb of Moonah is 35, making the population younger than Greater Hobart's median of 39 and below the national average of 38. Young adults aged 25 to 34 represent a large cohort at 21.1% (compared to Greater Hobart), while the 15 to 24 bracket is smaller at 9.0%. This 25 to 34 group is also above the national rate of 14.6%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age bracket grew from 13.9% to 17.5% and the 65 to 74 group went from 8.4% to 9.6%.
In contrast, the 25 to 34 group fell from 23.7% to 21.1% and the 15 to 24 cohort dropped from 10.7% to 9.0%. Looking toward 2041, demographic projections suggest the 45 to 54 cohort will grow by 58% (375 people) to reach 1,020 from 644, while the 25 to 34 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Moonah
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 54 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (5,884 at the 2021 Census → 5,703 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL60419). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.