West Moonah
Statistical Area - sa2

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

West Moonah's population was around 4,398 as of Aug 2021. This increased to approximately 4,439 by Aug 2025, marking a rise of 41 people (0.9%) since the 2021 Census. This growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 4,273 in June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses post-Census. The population density was around 2,479 persons per square kilometer as of Aug 2025, placing West Moonah in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. West Moonah's growth rate since the Census (0.9%) is within 1.5 percentage points of its SA3 area (2.4%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 58.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth by age group, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2022 using a 2021 base year are adopted with adjustments made via weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, West Moonah is expected to grow by approximately 442 persons to 2041, recording a gain of around 6.2% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in West Moonah is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

West Moonah recorded approximately 7 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis: 39 homes over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with 1 recorded so far in FY-26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas. The average value of new dwellings is $430,000.

There have been $4.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Hobart, West Moonah shows substantially reduced construction, at 60.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (80.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes. The location has approximately 788 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Looking ahead, West Moonah is expected to grow by 275 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

West Moonah has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects expected to impact the region. Notable initiatives include TasWater Infrastructure Upgrades, Greater Glenorchy Plan, Ashbourne Grove Road Renewal, and Coraki Street Chigwell Social Housing. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

West Moonah has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

West Moonah has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.3%.

As of June 2025, there are 2,412 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 4.3%, which is 0.2% higher than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in West Moonah is 66.4%, slightly higher than Greater Hobart's 61.6%. Employment concentration lies in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and retail trade. Notably, employment in accommodation & food services is at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.7% compared to the regional average of 8.7%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, with fewer residents working locally than living there. Between Jun-24 and Jun-25, West Moonah's labour force decreased by 1.6%, employment fell by 1.1%, leading to a 0.5% drop in unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Hobart saw employment fall by 1.5%, labour force contract by 1.6%, and unemployment decrease by 0.2%. Statewide, Tasmania's employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year (adding 1,170 jobs) to Sep-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, outperforming the national average of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Moonah's employment mix suggests local growth could be approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, West Moonah had a median income among taxpayers of $48,524 with the average level standing at $53,736. These figures are lower than national averages of $51,272 and $63,777 across Greater Hobart respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 11.94% since financial year ended June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $54,318 (median) and $60,152 (average) as of March 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in West Moonah rank modestly, between the 34th and 35th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 34.3% of the population (1,522 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to the regional average of 32.2%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in West Moonah, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 36th percentile nationally.

West Moonah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

West Moonah's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.0% houses and 20.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Hobart metro's 83.1% houses and 17.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Moonah stood at 28.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.0%) or rented (41.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, higher than Hobart metro's $1,300. The median weekly rent was $340, compared to Hobart metro's $320. Nationally, West Moonah's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,430 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $340 compared to the national figure of $375.

West Moonah features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.9 percent of all households, including 27.8 percent couples with children, 24.2 percent couples without children, and 12.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.1 percent, with lone person households at 27.6 percent and group households making up 6.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in West Moonah exceeds broader benchmarks: 35.3% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 23.3% in the SA3 area and 25.5% in Tasmania overall. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent: 28.6% of residents aged 15+ hold these, with advanced diplomas at 7.7% and certificates at 20.9%. Educational participation is high, with 30.1% currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.4% in primary, 5.9% in secondary, and 5.5% in tertiary education.

Educational provision includes Springfield Gardens Primary School and Hilliard Christian School, serving a total of 421 students. West Moonah has varied educational conditions, with one primary school and one K-12 school, resulting in fewer school places per 100 residents (9.5) compared to the regional average (14.6). Some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Analysis of public transport in West Moonah shows 24 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes totalling 51 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 3,786 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated excellent, with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 540 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 157 weekly trips per individual stop.

West Moonah's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

West Moonah residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen across both young and old age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 47%, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 10.8% and arthritis affects 7.4% of residents. 70.5% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Hobart's 63.7%. The area has 15.3% aged 65 and over (678 people), lower than Greater Hobart's 18.7%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring the general population's health profile.

West Moonah 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

West Moonah, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 32.1% of its population born overseas and 31.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 37.3%. Hinduism was notably overrepresented at 10.5%, compared to Greater Hobart's average of 5.8%.

The top three parental birth countries were England (25.0%), Australia (23.4%), and Other (16.2%). Polish (1.8%) and Croatian (0.9%) groups were overrepresented, while Indian (3.3%) was slightly higher than the regional average of 1.9%.

West Moonah hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

West Moonah's median age is 34 years, which is lower than the Greater Hobart average of 39 and significantly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Hobart, West Moonah has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (21.3%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.0%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 15.0% to 18.1%, while the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has declined from 10.6% to 9.3% and those aged 55 to 64 has dropped from 10.3% to 9.0%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in West Moonah's age profile by 2041, with the strongest growth expected in the 45 to 54 cohort (88%), adding 406 residents to reach a total of 871. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 age groups are projected to decrease in number.