Moonee Ponds

Moonee Ponds lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Moonee Ponds' population was approximately 17,875 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,651 people, a 10.2% rise from the 2021 Census count of 16,224. The increase is inferred from the ABS's estimated resident population of 17,823 in June 2024 and an additional 758 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,099 persons per square kilometer, placing Moonee Ponds in the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. The 10.2% growth rate since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%, positioning Moonee Ponds as a region with significant population growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although natural growth and interstate migration also played positive roles.

AreaSearch's projections for future population dynamics indicate substantial increases in the top quartile of statistical areas analyzed. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Moonee Ponds is forecast to increase by 4,945 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 27.4% over the 17-year period from 2026.

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

Moonee Ponds averaged approximately 210 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 1,054 homes were approved, with an additional 15 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 1.6 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built during these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties was $394,000. This financial year has seen $62.1 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Moonee Ponds recorded 45.0% higher construction levels per person over the past five years, offering good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, and indicating strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprised 7.0% detached dwellings and 93.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 45.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 381 people per dwelling approval, Moonee Ponds exhibits a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, population forecasts indicate that Moonee Ponds will gain approximately 4,893 residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, presenting good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Moonee Ponds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that are anticipated to impact the area. Notable projects include the Moonee Valley Racing Club Grandstand & Clubhouse Redevelopment, Moonee Valley Park, Chain of Ponds Collaboration Moonee Ponds Creek Improvement, and York Street Park (A Park Close to Home) - Pascoe Vale South. The following list details those projects considered most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Moonee Ponds exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Moonee Ponds has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.2% in September 2025, 0.4% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.9%.

As of September 2025, 11,161 residents were employed with workforce participation at 74.9%, similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses showed that 44.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training sectors. The area has a notably high concentration in professional & technical jobs, at 1.4 times the regional average.

Manufacturing employment is limited at 4.3%, compared to the regional average of 7.2%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.9% while labour force grew by 5.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moonee Ponds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Moonee Ponds SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $69,390 and an average of $97,393. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high. In Greater Melbourne, the median was $57,688 with an average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $75,115 (median) and $105,428 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes rank highly in Moonee Ponds, between the 73rd and 86th percentiles nationally. In income distribution, 30.7% of the population (5,487 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the surrounding region at 32.8%. Notably, 33.1% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting prosperity and robust local economic activity. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income, with residents ranking in the 75th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Moonee Ponds displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Moonee Ponds dwelling structure at latest Census showed 44.7% houses and 55.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moonee Ponds was 30.8%, with 29.8% mortgaged and 39.5% rented. Median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent figure was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Moonee Ponds' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375 at $400.

Moonee Ponds features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 60.2% of all households, including 25.7% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.8%, with lone person households at 34.4% and group households comprising 5.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Moonee Ponds' residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion with university qualifications (48.8%) compared to Australia's national average (30.4%) and Victoria's state average (33.4%). Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (30.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.7%). Vocational pathways account for 22.0%, with advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 11.7%. Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.1% in tertiary education, 6.9% in primary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Moonee Ponds has 84 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 18 different routes that collectively facilitate 14,713 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 166 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 66%, followed by train at 15% and walking at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 44% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 2,101 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 175 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Moonee Ponds is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Moonee Ponds shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among its general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 70% of Moonee Ponds' total population (12,458 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.9% and 7.4% of residents respectively. About 71.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. The under-65 population has better-than-average health outcomes. Moonee Ponds has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,206 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Moonee Ponds was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Moonee Ponds, as per the 2016 Census, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas with 29.1% of its population born overseas and 25.3% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Moonee Ponds, accounting for 51.9% of the population. Judaism, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.2% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (20.0%), Australian (17.6%), and Italian (12.1%), with Italians being substantially higher than the regional average of 5.2%. Other ethnic groups notably diverged in representation: Maltese at 1.7% versus 1.1%, Greek at 3.7% versus 2.7%, and Croatian at 1.1% versus 0.7%.

Moonee Ponds's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Moonee Ponds is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Moonee Ponds has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.5%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the proportion of people aged 65-74 increased from 8.4% to 9.8%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 decreased from 13.1% to 12.1%. By 2041, Moonee Ponds' age composition is expected to shift significantly, with the 55-64 age group projected to grow by 42%, reaching 3,081 people from 2,177.