Mooroopna

Population growth drivers in Mooroopna are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mooroopna's population is around 8,409 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 97 people (1.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,312 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,315 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 155 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 210 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Mooroopna's 1.2% growth since the census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA4 region (3.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 93.3% 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, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national regional areas, is predicted over the period with the area expected to expand by 3,838 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 44.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mooroopna recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Mooroopna has averaged around 55 new dwelling approvals annually, with 276 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 14 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 0 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average value of $252,000, aligned with broader regional development. Additionally, $12.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against the Rest of Vic., Mooroopna shows comparable building activity (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. New building activity consists of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 209 people per dwelling approval, Mooroopna shows characteristics of a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Mooroopna will gain 3,744 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Mooroopna has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Mooroopna West Growth Corridor Structure Plan, Seven Creeks Estate, Goulburn Valley Water Infrastructure Upgrades, and GV Link Enterprise Park, 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.

The labour market performance in Mooroopna lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Mooroopna features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of 4.7%. As of December 2025, 3,676 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.0% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation lags significantly (55.1% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration and safety shows lower representation at 4.4% versus the regional average of 6.5%. The 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, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.8% while employment declined by 6.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, the labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Mooroopna. 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 Mooroopna's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Mooroopna SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $48,245 with the average level standing at $53,835. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,225 (median) and $58,276 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Mooroopna all fall between the 8th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 27.5% of the community (2,312 individuals), contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. After housing, 85.4% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Mooroopna, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.7% houses and 19.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Mooroopna lagged that of Regional Vic. at 36.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.6%) or rented (31.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $1,148, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Mooroopna's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 62.3% of all households, comprising 20.2% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.7%, with lone person households at 34.6% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Mooroopna faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.8%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (30.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 69 active transport stops operating within Mooroopna, comprising a mix of train services. These stops are serviced by 12 individual routes, collectively providing 197 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 197 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 7.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 28 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Mooroopna is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Mooroopna, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,918 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic.. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.8 and 11.6% of residents, respectively, while 56.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 23.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,939 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Mooroopna ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mooroopna was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.3% of its population being citizens, 87.2% born in Australia, and 90.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Mooroopna is Christianity, which makes up 49.9% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.3% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Mooroopna are English, comprising 29.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 5.5% of Mooroopna (vs 1.4% regionally), Italian at 4.6% (vs 2.9%) and Samoan at 0.3% (vs 0.1%).

Mooroopna's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 42 years, Mooroopna's median age is similar to the Regional Vic. average of 43 while considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.4%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (10.2%) than in Regional Vic.. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.8% to 16.4% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 10.6% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 11.6% to 10.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Mooroopna. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 71%, adding 976 residents to reach 2,354. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort grows by a modest 9% (88 people).