West Moonah

Population growth drivers in West Moonah are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, West Moonah's population is around 4,338 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 60 people (1.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,398 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,272 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,423 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 58.3% 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth by age group in the years post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 442 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 8.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

West Moonah has recorded around 7 residential properties granted approval annually, with 39 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 7 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $305,000. There have also been $4.7 million in commercial approvals this financial year, supporting the area's residential character.

Relative to Greater Hobart, West Moonah shows substantially reduced construction (60.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (80.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes. The location has approximately 788 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, West Moonah is expected to grow by 376 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

West Moonah has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include TasWater Infrastructure Upgrades, Greater Glenorchy Plan, Ashbourne Grove Road Renewal, and Salvation Army Hopkins Street Community Housing, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

West Moonah possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.3%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,380 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% above Greater Hobart's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (68.3% compared to Greater Hobart's 64.0%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.7% versus the regional average of 8.7%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 0.2% combined with employment decreasing by 0.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.1 percentage points. This compares to Greater Hobart, where employment grew by 0.1%, the labour force contracted by 0.1%, and unemployment fell 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within West Moonah. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to West Moonah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the West Moonah SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,205 with the average level standing at $58,045. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $54,577 and $65,190 across Greater Hobart respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.6% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,313 (median) and $63,617 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in West Moonah, between the 33rd and 35th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 34.3% of the population (1,487 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 32.2% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within West Moonah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.0% houses and 20.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Hobart metro's 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within West Moonah lagged that of Hobart metro, at 28.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.0%) or rented (41.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Hobart metro average at $1,430, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $340, compared to Hobart metro's $1,517 and $350. Nationally, West Moonah's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.9% of all households, comprising 27.8% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 27.6% and group households comprising 6.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 23.3% in the SA3 area and 25.5% in TAS. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 28.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (20.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.1% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 5.9% in secondary education, 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

Public transport analysis reveals 24 active transport stops operating within West Moonah, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 57 individual routes, collectively providing 3,582 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 84%, with 11% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A relatively low 5.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 511 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 149 weekly trips per individual stop.

West Moonah's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout West Moonah, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population and near the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,090 people), compared to 51.7% across Greater Hobart and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.8% and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 70.5% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.5% across Greater Hobart. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (676 people), which is lower than the 19.9% in Greater Hobart. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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 was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 32.1% of its population born overseas and 31.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in West Moonah is Christianity, which makes up 37.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 10.5% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Hobart average of 2.8%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in West Moonah are English, comprising 25.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 31.8%, Australian, comprising 23.4% of the population, and Other, comprising 16.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 7.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Polish is notably overrepresented at 1.8% of West Moonah (vs 0.8% regionally), Croatian at 0.9% (vs 0.2%) and Indian at 3.3% (vs 1.2%).

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

At 34 years, West Moonah's median age is considerably lower than the Greater Hobart average of 39 and similarly substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Hobart, West Moonah has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (19.0%) but fewer 55 - 64 year-olds (8.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 15.0% to 19.0% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.1% to 5.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 10.3% to 8.6% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.6% to 9.0%. Demographic modeling suggests West Moonah's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 91%, adding 414 residents to reach 871. In contrast, both the 55 to 64 and 25 to 34 age groups will see reduced numbers.