Moruya

Moruya has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Moruya is around 4,304. This figure reflects an increase of 9 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,295. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 4,296 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 55 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver for population growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Moruya is expected to increase by 362 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 8.6% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Moruya according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Moruya averaged around 25 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 126 homes were approved, with a further 13 approved so far in FY-26. This averages out to approximately 0.9 new residents arriving per new home over these years, indicating that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $523,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In terms of commercial development, $4.5 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating limited activity in this area compared to residential development. Relative to the rest of NSW, Moruya shows comparable building activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area.

However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. The composition of new development consists of 78.0% standalone homes and 22.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Moruya is 453 people, which reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Moruya is expected to grow by 370 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Moruya has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include South Moruya Roundabout, Moruya Housing Infrastructure Project, New Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, and Moruya Bypass. The following details these projects, focusing 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.

While Moruya retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Moruya has a balanced workforce consisting of both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 1,804 residents employed in Moruya, while the unemployment rate is 0.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 51.2%, significantly lower than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses indicate that only 10.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among Moruya residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 2.8% of Moruya's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population numbers. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.5% in Moruya, with employment decreasing by 5.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can provide further insight into potential future demand within Moruya. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Moruya's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Moruya had median income among taxpayers at $39,344 and average income at $50,461. These figures are lower than national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $42,830, with average income at $54,932. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Moruya are between the 9th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 28.1% of locals (1,209 people) fall within the $400 - $799 category, unlike regional trends where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Moruya, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.3% houses and 10.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moruya was at 49.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.4% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Moruya was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Moruya was recorded as $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Moruya's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Moruya features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.0% of all households, including 19.4% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 30.3% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Moruya fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.8%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (32.8%). Educational participation is high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.9% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Moruya has 161 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are served by 34 different routes that together facilitate 323 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's home to the nearest transport stop is 198 meters. In this predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 92%, and walking at 5%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 10.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 46 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly two weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this analysis, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Moruya is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Moruya faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% (~2,021 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (13.0%) and mental health issues (9.1%). Conversely, 57.8% declare no medical ailments, lower than Rest of NSW's 63.3%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Moruya has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.9% (1,286 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Moruya, surveyed in June 2016, had low cultural diversity: 89.1% were Australian citizens, 88.2% born in Australia, and 96.7% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 54.3%, compared to 55.9% regionally. Top ancestral groups were English (31.8%), Australian (30.9%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Welsh (0.8%) and Hungarian (0.4%) groups were overrepresented, while Dutch (1.7%) was slightly above the regional average of 1%.

Moruya ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Moruya is 52 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and also above the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Moruya at 16.8%, compared to the Rest of NSW average. Conversely, individuals aged 15-24 are under-represented at 9.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.6% to 9.6% of Moruya's population. During this period, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.1% to 15.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Moruya. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 74%, adding 111 residents to reach a total of 262. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 5-14 age cohorts.