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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 2,825 residents, up from 2,633 at the 2021 Census — a change of 192 people, or 7.3%. Growth has averaged 1.4% a year over five years. 104 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 91.0% of that increase. That puts 605 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
As of Aug 2026, the population of the suburb of Moonta Bay is estimated at approximately 2,825, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader ABS population updates and post-Census validated addresses. Compared to the 2,633 residents documented in the 2021 Census, this indicates an expansion of 192 people (7.3%). This updated figure is derived from an Estimated Resident Population of 2,800 established from the June 2025 ABS ERP release, combined with 104 validated new addresses added after the Census. The suburb of Moonta Bay currently exhibits a population density of 604 persons per square kilometer, ensuring ample room per capita and scope for future expansion.
Outpacing the Rest of SA (6.2%) and the broader SA4 region, the suburb of Moonta Bay's 7.3% expansion rate since the 2021 census positions it as a regional growth frontrunner, with interstate migration serving as the primary catalyst by generating roughly 91.0% of recent population additions. Demographic projections utilised by AreaSearch incorporate 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia models pegged to a 2022 baseline for SA2 divisions. For locations lacking this coverage or extending post-2032, models integrate 2023 SA State Government Regional/LGA age cohort projections based on 2021 data, converted via weighted growth aggregation from LGA to SA2 geographies. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Moonta Bay is slated to expand by 198 persons to 2041, representing a cumulative 6.1% increase across the 16 years and tracking marginally below the non-capital city median.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
111 new dwellings have been approved in Moonta Bay over the past five years, an average of 22 a year. That places the area in the 61st percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 8 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 21 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 95% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 24, 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
Residential building activity in Moonta Bay has averaged roughly 22 new dwelling approvals annually, based on AreaSearch's allocation of ABS figures, with 111 approvals granted across the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 24 recorded to date in FY-25. An influx of 1.8 people per year per constructed dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) points to well-aligned supply and demand alongside stable conditions. New homes exhibit an average expected construction cost of $462,000, moderately higher than regional benchmarks and indicative of high-quality building.
Reinforcing the predominantly residential environment, commercial building approvals have totaled $1.0 million during this financial year. Per capita construction activity in Moonta Bay tracks at approximately 75% of the level seen across Rest of SA, though recent development has accelerated, positioning the area within the 85th percentile nationwide. Detached houses account for 95.0% of new residential development compared to 5.0% for attached dwellings, preserving the community's low-density profile and focus on spacious family properties. A ratio of roughly 101 people per approval highlights the evolving nature of the local development pipeline. Projections from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly update anticipate that Moonta Bay will add 173 residents through to 2041. Given prevailing development patterns, the anticipated residential construction pipeline is well-positioned to satisfy incoming demand, creating favorable buyer conditions and potentially supporting growth beyond baseline expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Moonta Bay
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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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 $684 million. 15 are already under construction and 11 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
Area dynamics are heavily influenced by strategic planning initiatives, major projects, and local infrastructure enhancements. AreaSearch has identified 1 key project positioned to influence the locality. Significant regional undertakings encompass The Dunes Port Hughes, South Australian Regional Bulk Port Development, Northern Water, and SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program, with primary details outlined below.
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.
982 residents of Moonta Bay are employed, from a labour force of 1,029. Unemployment sits at 4.6%, with participation at 41.2%. 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 2,330, 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 features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.6%, and 4.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 982 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Regional SA's rate of 5.5%, and workforce participation lags significantly (41.2% compared to Regional SA's 58.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.
The primary employment drivers for local residents consist of health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction represents a major area of local specialization, employing workers at 1.6 times the regional concentration. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 3.8% of the local workforce, well below the 14.5% recorded across Regional SA. Discrepancies between Census working population counts and resident numbers underline a residential environment with constrained internal employment opportunities. AreaSearch assessment of ABS and SALM data reveals that across the 12-month period, local employment expanded by 4.0% while the labour pool expanded by 2.8%, driving a 1.0 percentage points reduction in unemployment. In contrast, Regional SA experienced a 1.2% employment rise, a 2.6% increase in the labour force, and a 1.4 percentage points rise in unemployment. Future demand trajectories can be evaluated through Jobs and Skills Australia's national projections from Mar-26 mapped against local workforce structures. Nationally, employment is projected to climb 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though sectoral performance varies widely. Applying these benchmarks to local industry shares suggests Moonta Bay employment could increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (representing an illustrative weighted extrapolation that excludes localized demographic 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
According to aggregated ATO figures for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch, income benchmarks in Moonta Bay trail nationwide standards. Taxpayers in Moonta Bay recorded a median income of $43,431 and an average income of $57,102, compared to $48,920 and $58,933 across Regional SA. Factoring in Wage Price Index expansion of 10.17% since financial year 2023, updated March 2026 estimates indicate a median of $47,848 and an average of $62,909. In the Census 2021 data, personal, family, and household earnings all fell between the 4th and 7th percentiles across Australia.
The $400 - 799 income cohort was the largest locally, representing 32.5% of residents (918 people), whereas the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led the wider region at 27.5%. Despite manageable housing costs allowing households to retain 87.9% of income, total disposable income sits at the 8th percentile nationally.
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
Census findings indicate that the housing landscape in Moonta Bay is comprised of 95.3% houses and 4.7% other dwellings (incorporating semi-detached homes, units, and alternative formats), compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings in Regional SA. Outright home ownership reached 55.9%, considerably higher than regional figures, while mortgaged properties constituted 26.1% and rental housing accounted for 18.0%. Median monthly mortgage costs stood at $1,300, exceeding the Regional SA figure of $1,153, while weekly rent averaged $260 compared to $220 regionally. In a national context, Moonta Bay's mortgage costs are noticeably lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents remain substantially below the nationwide standard of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Moonta Bay counted 1,106 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,187 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
Families make up 69.5% of all local households, consisting of couples without children at 45.5%, couples with children at 16.7%, and single parent families at 6.9%. The remaining 30.5% consists of non-family living arrangements, primarily lone person households at 28.3% alongside group households at 2.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, slightly under the 2.3 benchmark recorded across Regional SA.
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
Educational attainment profiles show that 11.3% of local residents hold university-level qualifications, significantly beneath the 30.4% national average. Tertiary credentials include bachelor degrees at 8.3%, postgraduate qualifications at 1.5%, and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational training is well established throughout the community, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, divided between certificates (28.6%) and advanced diplomas (10.0%). Current educational enrollment stands at 19.5% across the local populace. Broken down by schooling level, primary education comprises 7.8%, secondary education represents 6.6%, and tertiary education accounts for 1.2%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Moonta Bay means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit infrastructure within Moonta Bay consists of 1 active stop served by 2 individual routes that deliver a combined 15 weekly passenger trips. Transit access remains restricted, with residents situated an average of 988 meters from the nearest stop. Reflecting the area's residential profile, outward commuting prevails, with private vehicles accounting for 96% of journeys and vehicle ownership averaging 1.5 per dwelling. Census findings from 2021 indicated that 7.4% of workers worked from home, a metric potentially shaped by COVID-19 conditions. Transit service frequency delivers an average of 2 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 15 weekly trips per individual stop.
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 compiled by AreaSearch based on mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence point to below-average health outcomes in Moonta Bay, with chronic ailments evident across older and younger cohorts alike. Private health insurance uptake is comparatively constrained, covering approximately 50% of the local population (~1,401 people) in contrast to the 55.7% national average. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent reported conditions locally, affecting 14.3 and 9.2% of residents, while 55.5% indicated an absence of medical conditions compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age cohorts display elevated levels of chronic disease.
Residents aged 65 and over constitute 42.1% of the community (1,189 people), markedly higher than the 27.1% share in Regional SA, with health metrics among older residents aligning closely with general population rankings.
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
Cultural diversity in Moonta Bay tracks below national levels, with 87.8% of residents born in Australia, 91.0% holding citizenship, and 97.4% communicating exclusively in English at home. Christianity represents the predominant religious affiliation, accounting for 49.4% of the population compared to 45.2% across Regional SA. Ancestry data reflects English as the primary background at 35.3%, followed by Australian at 31.6%, and German at 7.4%. Specific demographic variations are evident among other groups: Australian Aboriginal representation stands at 2.1% in Moonta Bay (compared to 3.3% regionally), Spanish ancestry accounts for 0.3% (vs 0.2%), and Maltese ancestry constitutes 0.3% (vs 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Moonta Bay is 59, older than 98% of areas nationally. 15.7% 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 demographic profile of the suburb of Moonta Bay is heavily concentrated among older residents, with August 2026 updates showing that retiree and elderly cohorts (65+) comprise 42.1% of the community compared to 27.1% in Regional SA. In contrast, young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) account for only 14.7% versus 21.4% regionally. The estimated median age is 59, matching the 2021 Census level and standing 12 years above the Regional SA median of 47 from that Census, while the national Census median was 38. The most prominent demographic movement since the Census has occurred among retiree and elderly cohorts, rising from 39.8% to an estimated 42.1%.
By 2041, senior cohorts are projected to capture the bulk of local growth by expanding 16% (192 residents) to reach 1,381, whereas young to middle aged adults and children and young adults are forecasted to decline.
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 Oct 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| 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 Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 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 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 — 104 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,633 at the 2021 Census → 2,825 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 Aug 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.