Moorabbin

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

The population of the suburb of Moorabbin is estimated at around 7,148 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 861 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,287 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,046 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 356 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,560 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Moorabbin's growth of 13.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 6.7%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb, with an expected increase of 1,468 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 19.1% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Moorabbin among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Moorabbin has annually granted around 92 residential properties. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), approximately 461 homes were approved, with a further 20 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.8 new residents per year arrived for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of these properties was $465,000. In the current financial year, there have been $46.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Moorabbin has 158.0% higher development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 14.0% detached dwellings and 86.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the current housing mix of 77.0% houses. There are approximately 60 people per dwelling approval in Moorabbin, suggesting an expanding market. Future projections estimate that Moorabbin will add 1,366 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Future projections show Moorabbin adding 1,366 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Moorabbin has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects that may affect the area. Notable projects include Bluff Road Hampton East Redevelopment, Southpoint Highett, Westfield Southland Ongoing Upgrades, and Highett Common. The following list details those most relevant.

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Moorabbin shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Moorabbin's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 6.2% as of a certain period. Over the past year, employment showed stability based on AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas.

As of December 2025, 3804 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation was equal to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 38.9% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts.

Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. However, transport, postal & warehousing was under-represented at 3.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 5.2%. The area hosted more jobs than residents with a ratio of 1.7 workers per resident, attracting workers from nearby areas. In the 12-month period prior, employment increased by 0.3% and labour force grew by 0.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 2.4%, labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Moorabbin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Moorabbin has a median taxpayer income of $59,740 and an average income of $75,126, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, this is very high, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,487 (median) and $82,353 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Moorabbin cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.9% of the population (2,137 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 30.9% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 66th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Moorabbin is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Moorabbin, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.8% houses and 23.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moorabbin was at 30.2%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (39.7%) or rented (30.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, higher than the Melbourne metro average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Moorabbin was $431, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Moorabbin's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Moorabbin features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.2% of all households, including 34.4% couples with children, 23.6% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.8%, consisting of 25.8% lone person households and 4.1% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Moorabbin places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 39.8% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and Victoria's rate of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.9%. Vocational credentials are held by 28.3% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (15.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.5% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Moorabbin has 60 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 20 different routes that collectively facilitate 3999 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 83%, while 8% use trains. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 38.9% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 571 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 66 weekly trips per individual stop.

Moorabbin's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Moorabbin.

AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is found to be very high at approximately 56% of the total population, which amounts to around 4037 people. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 7.6% and 7.0% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 71.5%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.5%, with 1250 people falling into this category, compared to the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

Moorabbin was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Moorabbin's cultural diversity is notable, with 35.4% of its population born overseas and 29.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Moorabbin, accounting for 44.8% of people. However, Judaism is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 4.3% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.0%), Australian (19.0%), and Other (11.9%). Certain ethnic groups show notable divergences: Polish at 2.0% (regional average 0.8%), Russian at 1.9% (0.4%), and Greek at 4.7% (2.7%).

Moorabbin's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Moorabbin is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and close to the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Moorabbin has a notably higher proportion of people aged 75-84 (6.5%) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (12.2%). According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 15-24 grew from 9.7% to 12.8%, while that aged 45-54 declined from 13.9% to 12.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Moorabbin, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 54%, adding 251 people to reach a total of 716 from its current figure of 464. The 0-4 age group is projected to grow by 2%, adding only 7 residents.