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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Moonta Bay's population is estimated at around 2,706 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 73 people (2.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,633 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,625 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 579 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Moonta Bay has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected for Moonta Bay (SA2), with an expected increase of 168 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 12.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Moonta Bay recorded approximately 28 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 141 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 1.9 people moved to the area per dwelling built annually. The average construction value for new homes is $380,000, indicating a focus on premium properties.

This financial year has seen $1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of SA, Moonta Bay has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 96% detached houses and 4% medium-high density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character.

With around 82 people per approval, Moonta Bay reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Moonta Bay is expected to grow by 334 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Moonta Bay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: The Dunes Port Hughes. Other key projects include South Australian Regional Bulk Port Development, Northern Water, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts. Relevant details are provided below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Moonta Bay has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs well represented. Its unemployment rate is 6.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation).

As of September 2025, there are 1,001 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 6.7%. This is 1.4 percentage points higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, and workforce participation is lower at 40.6% compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 3.8%, compared to 14.5% in Rest of SA. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, while labour force rose by 2.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 1 percentage point (AreaSearch analysis). 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. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moonta Bay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Moonta Bay had a median income of $43,431 and an average income of $57,102. Both figures are below the national averages. Rest of SA had a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8%, estimates for September 2025 suggest Moonta Bay's median income could be approximately $47,253 and the average around $62,127. Census 2021 data indicates that incomes in Moonta Bay fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort in Moonta Bay is 32.5% of locals (879 people) earning $400 - $799 per week, unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.9% income retention, 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

Moonta Bay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.3% houses and 4.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moonta Bay stood at 55.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.1% and rented ones at 18.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. Median weekly rent in Moonta Bay was $260, compared to Non-Metro SA's $230. Nationally, Moonta Bay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 28.3% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.1.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas, each at 1.5%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.6%). School and university attendance covers 19.5% of the community, comprising 7.8% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education.

School and university attendance encompasses 19.5% of the community. This includes 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 performance in Moonta Bay is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Moonta Bay faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately half of its total population (~1,342 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 14.3% of residents) and asthma (9.2%). About 55.5% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the Rest of SA's 56.0%. Moonta Bay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 41.8% (1,131 people), compared to Rest of SA's 36.2%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Moonta Bay are comparable to those of the general population.

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 48.3% across Rest of SA. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups represented are English (35.3%), Australian (31.6%), and German (7.4%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 2.1%, Spanish at 0.3%, and Maltese at 0.3% compared to regional averages of 2.6%, 0.2%, and 0.2% respectively.

Moonta Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Moonta Bay's median age is 59 years, which exceeds the Rest of SA average of 47 and substantially surpasses the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of SA average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Moonta Bay at 24.3%, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 7.1%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 12.8% to 14.3%, while the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.1% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Moonta Bay's age profile. Notably, the 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 42%, adding 163 people and reaching a total of 550 from the current 386. This growth will be driven primarily by residents aged 65 and older, who are projected to represent 82% of the anticipated population increase. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 25 to 34 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.