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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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Moonta Bay has an estimated 2,801 residents, up from 2,633 at the 2021 Census — a change of 168 people, or 6.4%. Growth has averaged 1.4% a year over five years. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 91.0% of that increase. That puts 600 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
According to investigations of ABS demographic releases for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Moonta Bay has a population estimated at approximately 2,801 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 168 people (6.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 2,633 people. This trend is calculated from the resident population of 2,797, estimated by AreaSearch using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) plus an additional 97 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population count corresponds to a density ratio of 599 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial room per resident and capacity for additional development.
The 6.4% expansion rate in the suburb of Moonta Bay since the 2021 census was higher than the Rest of SA (5.9%) and the SA4 region, establishing it as a local growth leader. Population increases in the area were mostly driven by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 91.0% of all demographic gains in recent times. AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 areas excluded from this dataset, and for any years after 2032, regional and LGA projections by age bracket from the SA State Government (released in 2023 utilizing 2021 data) are used, adjusting them through a weighted aggregation of population expansion from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at future demographic projections for the suburb of Moonta Bay, population growth is anticipated to run slightly below the median for regional parts of Australia, with the suburb of Moonta Bay projected to expand by 138 persons to 2041 based on compiled SA2-level figures, indicating a total growth of 4.8% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
169 new dwellings have been approved in Moonta Bay over the past five years, an average of 33 a year. That places the area in the 59th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 12 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 35 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 97% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 25, 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 from the ABS allocated from statistical area reports, Moonta Bay has recorded an average of roughly 33 new dwelling approvals per year, with a total of 169 homes approved during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 23 registered during FY-26 so far. Because an average of 1.1 people per year relocated to the area for every home constructed during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand and supply seem closely matched, leading to balanced market conditions, with new homes constructed at an average cost of $380,000, which highlights developer attention on upscale, premium properties.
Furthermore, commercial approvals reached $1.0 million this financial year, pointing to a predominantly residential orientation. Compared to the Rest of SA, Moonta Bay exhibits slightly higher development volumes (17.0% higher than the regional average per capita over the 5 year period), which supports existing home values while preserving choice for buyers, even though building activity has slowed down in recent times. This volume stands substantially above the national average, showing strong developer interest in the region. Recent residential building activity consists of 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% medium and high-density options, maintaining the traditional low density setup with family residences appealing to buyers who value space. Recording around 113 people per approval, Moonta Bay shows characteristics of a growing location. Looking forward, Moonta Bay is projected to add 134 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Considering current construction trends, the supply of new housing is expected to easily satisfy demand, maintaining favorable conditions for purchasers and potentially supporting population growth above current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Moonta Bay
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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 38 current infrastructure and development projects close to Moonta Bay, worth an estimated $534 million. 15 are already under construction and 9 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and environmental & disaster management. 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
Very few factors impact the trajectory of a region as much as changes in local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning schemes. In total, a single project has been identified by AreaSearch as having a probable impact on the locality. Key initiatives include The Dunes Port Hughes, South Australian Regional Bulk Port Development, Northern Water, and the SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program, with the list below highlighting those expected to be of greatest local relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wallaroo Roads Rehabilitation
Pavement rehabilitation and resurfacing work on multiple roads within Wallaroo township, jointly funded by the State Government and Copper Coast Council, to improve safety, access, and road amenity for all users, enhancing transport efficiency and sustainability. The $5.2 million project commenced in September 2025 and is expected to be completed in mid-2026.
Aspen Living Wallaroo Sands
Aspen Group acquired the final stages of the Wallaroo Shores masterplanned community in late 2025, rebranding it to Aspen Living Wallaroo Sands. The 13.45-hectare coastal site will feature over 300 sites, including 200 lifestyle land lease homes, residential build-to-rent (BTR) units, townhouses, residential land lots, and a commercial and retail precinct.
Kadina Wastewater Lagoons Relining
Copper Coast Council project to reline two wastewater treatment lagoons (Lagoons 2 and 3) at Kadina to meet EPA compliance requirements. Works included dewatering, shaping and compacting, adding a sand layer, installing HDPE plastic liners, pressure testing, and installation of pipe penetration sealing bands. Both lagoons were fully lined and pressure tested by 16 June 2025, with backfilling of anchor trenches and commissioning anticipated in July 2025, finalising the project.
Copper Cove Marina Wallaroo
A world-class marina development in Wallaroo, SA located on the Spencer Gulf. The project encompasses approximately 500 housing allotments, up to 154 marina berths, a resort area, medium-density cluster housing, a boat ramp, and a commercial precinct. A key residential component of the marina is 'Seapoint', which is being marketed and overseen by Dellta Projects.
Wallaroo Foreshore Masterplan
Council-led long-term renewal of the Wallaroo foreshore delivering improved public spaces, accessibility, recreation, tourism infrastructure and coastal amenities. The masterplan is now in active implementation with the Office Beach Upgrade progressing through detailed design and the Wallaroo Aquatic Facility advancing following Council approval of the original design in 2026 and completion of the required prudential review.
Lawrence Street Footpath & STEDs Program
Ongoing program to install new footpaths and a new sewer line along Lawrence Street, connecting to the Newtown Playground toilet upgrade. The project also includes a new sewer line to collect sewer from 19 allotments along Lawrence Street and 6 on Drain Road.
Copper Coast Sport & Leisure Centre Redevelopment
A $10.3 million redevelopment of the 40-year-old Kadina and District Recreation Centre into a modern sport and leisure facility. The new hub includes a program pool, multiple indoor courts, squash courts, a gymnasium, upgraded outdoor facilities, a playground, caf,, and community spaces.
Kadina Central Expansion
Major mixed-use masterplanned community on the eastern side of Kadina comprising more than 115 residential allotments, a 14-home retirement village, supported disability housing, a 1000sqm medical centre, a 112-place childcare centre, commercial land and a smart park with public Wi-Fi and smart city infrastructure. Construction is progressing in stages with residential land actively being marketed.
972 residents of Moonta Bay are employed, from a labour force of 1,021. Unemployment sits at 4.9%, with participation at 41.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,310, about 82% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Moonta Bay possesses an even workforce split between white and blue collar jobs, with a solid presence in essential service industries, an unemployment rate of 4.9%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.7% over the past year based on compiled statistical area data from AreaSearch. As of March 2026972 local citizens are employed, while the unemployment rate sits 0.6% below the 5.5% recorded in Regional SA, and participation in the labour force is quite low (41.1% compared to 58.4% in Regional SA). According to Census statistics, a low proportion of 7.4% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.
The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The region exhibits an especially high concentration in construction, with its employment share reaching 1.6 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing is less represented at 3.8% compared to the regional average of 14.5%. This mostly residential community seems to offer a modest number of local jobs, as shown by comparing the count of the Census working population against the resident population. Based on SALM and ABS statistics compiled from wider statistical sectors by AreaSearch, during the 12 months leading to March 2026, employment expanded by 3.7% while the labour force expanded by 2.6%, causing a reduction in the unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Regional SA experienced employment expansion of 1.2%, labour force expansion of 2.6%, and an unemployment rate rise of 1.4 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 can give extra context on potential future demand in Moonta Bay. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been compared to local employment patterns to project growth trends. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, expansion rates vary widely across different industry divisions. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the employment distribution of Moonta Bay indicates that local jobs should grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not account for local population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Moonta Bay is $1,033 a week (about $54,000 a year), with median personal income at $553 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $43,431 a year against an average of $57,102. 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 most recent postcode level ATO statistics for financial year 2023 analyzed by AreaSearch indicate that incomes in Moonta Bay are below the national benchmark, with a median of $43,431 and an average of $57,102. This is lower than the figures for Regional SA, which show a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be roughly $47,848 for the median and $62,909 for the average as of March 2026. According to the Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Moonta Bay all rank between the 4th and 7th percentiles across the country.
The distribution of earnings shows that 32.5% of the population (910 individuals) earn in the $400 - 799 bracket, differing from broader regional trends where 27.5% earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Although housing expenditures are modest with 87.9% of income kept, overall disposable income sits at only the 8th percentile nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Moonta Bay had 1,106 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 95% detached houses and 0% apartments. 26% are owned with a mortgage, 18% rented and 56% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $260 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 25.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 29.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The composition of residential properties in Moonta Bay at the time of the latest Census consisted of 95.3% houses and 4.7% other structures such as duplexes, apartments, and alternative dwellings, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings in Regional SA. Home ownership in Moonta Bay was significantly higher than the Regional SA level, standing at 55.9%, with the remaining properties occupied by people with a mortgage (26.1%) or renters (18.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Regional SA average at $1,300, while the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $260, compared to Regional SA averages of $1,153 and $220.
Nationwide, mortgage payments in Moonta Bay are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent costs are well below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Moonta Bay counted 1,106 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,177 today, averaging 2.2 people each. 17% are couples with children, fewer than in 93% of areas nationally, against 46% couples without children. 28% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households constitute the majority at 69.5% of all households, consisting of 16.7% couples with children, 45.5% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households representing 28.3% and group households making up 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 individuals is slightly below the Regional SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
11.3% of adults in Moonta Bay hold a university qualification, including 8.3% with a bachelor degree and 1.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 28.6% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The area experiences some educational challenges, with university attainment rates (11.3%) standing significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This highlights both a challenge and a chance for focused educational strategies. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 8.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.6%). Individuals attending school or university account for 19.5% of the local population. This includes 7.8% enrolled in primary schools, 6.6% in secondary education, and 1.2% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Moonta Bay means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
55.5% of residents in Moonta Bay report no long-term health condition. 7.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators point to below-average wellness outcomes in Moonta Bay, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with common health conditions present across both younger and older cohorts, and the rate of private health insurance found to be relatively low at roughly 50% of the total population (~1,389 people). This compares to a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical diagnoses in the region were arthritis and asthma, affecting 14.3 and 9.2% of the population, respectively, while 55.5% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions compared to 62.5% across Regional SA.
The cohort of working age experiences notable health struggles with elevated rates of chronic illness. The locality has 41.9% of its population aged 65 and over (1,173 people), which exceeds the 27.1% seen in Regional SA. Health outcomes among older residents present some difficulties, with national performance metrics generally matching those of the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Moonta Bay is largely Australian-born, at 87.8% of residents, with 2.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (35.3%) and Australian (31.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Moonta Bay ranks below average for cultural diversity, with 87.8% of the local population born in Australia, 91.0% holding citizenship, and 97.4% speaking only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation in Moonta Bay is Christianity, representing 49.4% of the population, compared to 45.2% in Regional SA. Looking at ancestral backgrounds (the birth countries of parents), the three most common heritages in Moonta Bay are English, accounting for 35.3% of the population, Australian, accounting for 31.6% of the population, and German, accounting for 7.4% of the population. There are also clear differences in the concentration of other backgrounds: Australian Aboriginal is represented at 2.1% of Moonta Bay (compared to 3.3% across the region), Spanish at 0.3% (compared to 0.2%) and Maltese at 0.3% (compared to 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Moonta Bay is 59, older than 98% of areas nationally. 15.2% 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
With a median age of 59 years, Moonta Bay's population is considerably older than the Regional SA average of 47 and also far above the national average of 38 years. Relative to Regional SA, the 65 - 74 age bracket is highly over-represented (23.9% locally), whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is under-represented (6.9%). This concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is far above the national average of 9.4%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group expanded from 12.8% to 14.5% of the population, while the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.1% to 9.3%.
Population models indicate that the age distribution of Moonta Bay will change substantially by 2041. Driving this transition, the 75 to 84 age bracket will increase by 30% (123 people), growing from 406 to 530. Demographics continue to age as residents aged 65 and over account for 85% of the projected growth. Conversely, population drops are expected for the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Moonta Bay
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, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 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 May 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 — 97 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,633 at the 2021 Census → 2,801 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 (SAL40915). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.