Moonta Bay

Population growth drivers in Moonta Bay are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

By Feb 2026, the estimated population of Moonta Bay is around 2,788, an increase of 155 people since the 2021 Census. This growth reflects a resident population estimate of 2,625 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 92 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 597 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Moonta Bay has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and uses the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023 based on 2021 data for areas not covered or years post-2032.

Looking ahead, population projections indicate an increase just below Australia's regional median to 2041, with Moonta Bay expected to gain 181 persons over this period, reflecting a total growth of 9.6%.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Moonta Bay when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Moonta Bay recorded around 28 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 141 homes. So far in FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $380,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In this financial year, there have been $1.0 million in commercial approvals, predominantly for residential development. Compared to Rest of SA, Moonta Bay has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 96.0% detached houses and 4.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character favoured by families seeking space.

With around 82 people per approval, Moonta Bay reflects a low density area. By 2041, AreaSearch projects Moonta Bay to grow by 268 residents. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Moonta Bay has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region. Key projects include The Dunes Port Hughes, South Australian Regional Bulk Port Development, Northern Water, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts. Below are details on those 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Moonta Bay faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Moonta Bay's workforce spans white and blue collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.1% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7% over the past year. There are 1,002 residents employed currently, while the unemployment rate is 0.7% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation in Moonta Bay lags at 45.7%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, only 7.4% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 3.8%, compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.7% while labour force rose by 3.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3%, labour force expand by 2.3%, and unemployment rise by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moonta Bay's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, the suburb of Moonta Bay's median income among taxpayers is $43,431. The average income in this period was $57,102. This figure is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of SA had a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933 during the same financial year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since June 30, 2023, current estimates for Moonta Bay would be approximately $47,253 (median) and $62,127 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Moonta Bay all fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally. The predominant cohort spans 32.5% of locals (906 people), with incomes in the $400 - $799 category. This diverges from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 27.5%. While housing costs are modest, with 87.9% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 8th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Moonta Bay, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.3% houses and 4.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moonta Bay stood at 55.9%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (26.1%) or rented (18.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, above Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Moonta Bay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.5% of all households, including 16.7% couples with children, 45.5% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 28.3% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Educational attainment in Moonta Bay aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 11.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 28.6%.

School and university attendance makes up 19.5% of the community, including 7.8% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Moonta Bay are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Moonta Bay's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,382 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (14.3%) and asthma (9.2%). 55.5% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the Rest of SA's 62.5%. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Moonta Bay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 42.5% (1,184 people), compared to Rest of SA's 27.1%. Senior health outcomes present challenges, broadly in line with national rankings.

Moonta Bay is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Moonta Bay's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.8% of its population born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Moonta Bay is Christianity, which accounts for 49.4% of the population, compared to 45.2% across the Rest of SA. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (35.3%), Australian (31.6%), and German (7.4%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 2.1%, compared to 3.3% regionally; Spanish is represented at 0.3%, versus 0.2%; Maltese is also represented at 0.3%, compared to 0.2%.

Moonta Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Moonta Bay's median age is 59 years, notably exceeding both the Rest of SA average of 47 years and the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 cohort is significantly over-represented in Moonta Bay at 24.5%, compared to the Rest of SA average of 15%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 7% locally. Nationally, the 65-74 cohort represents 9.5%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 cohort grew from 12.8% to 14.7%, and the 55-64 cohort increased from 15.5% to 16.6%. However, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.1% to 9.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Moonta Bay's age profile. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 550 people from 409. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 84% of the anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, declines are projected for the 25-34 and 55-64 cohorts.