Moyne - West

An assessment of population growth drivers in Moyne - West reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Moyne - West's population is approximately 10,646 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 632 people, a 6.3% rise from the 2021 Census count of 10,014 individuals. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 10,215 in June 2024 and an additional 127 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 5.2 persons per square kilometer. Moyne - West's population growth rate of 6.3% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA4 region average of 4.5%, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 48.1% of overall population gains in recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and interstate migration also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate an overall decline by 2041, with a projected contraction of 2,884 persons. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are expected to grow, with a projected increase of 39 people.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Moyne - West when compared nationally

Moyne-West averaged approximately 51 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25258 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.4 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years, indicating a balanced supply and demand.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $415,000, suggesting a focus on premium segment development. This year has seen $23.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Moyne-West had 19.0% less new development per person but ranked at the 58th percentile nationally.

Recent construction consisted of 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 262 people per dwelling approval, Moyne-West exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, the area may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Moyne - West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Port Fairy Play and Skate, Port Fairy East Beach Landfill Coastal Adaptation Plan, Rivers Run Estate, and Ryan Corner Wind Farm. The following list details those projects most relevant:.

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

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Moyne - West ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Moyne - West has an unemployment rate of 1.5% as of September 2025. It employs 5,172 residents, with a rate that is 2.3% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

According to Census responses, 19.2% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level. However, education & training shows lower representation at 7.7% versus the regional average of 9.1%.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.9%, alongside a 3.4% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Moyne - West's employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 1st July 2023, Moyne - West SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,751 and an average of $62,671. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Vic., for comparison, had a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,855 (median) and $67,841 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, Moyne - West's household income ranks at the 37th percentile, family income at the 38th, and personal income at the 40th percentile. The largest earnings segment comprises 34.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,630 residents). This is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 30.3%. Housing costs are manageable with 89.0% retained. Disposable income ranks at the 42nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Moyne - West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.3% houses and 4.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moyne - West stood at 48.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.9% and rented ones at 16.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, surpassing Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Moyne - West was $280, slightly lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s figure of $285. Nationally, Moyne - West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Moyne - West has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 73.0% of all households, including 29.1% couples with children, 34.3% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households making up 1.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Vic.

Educational attainment in Moyne - West aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Moyne-West trail region's residents aged 15+ have 24.3% with university degrees, compared to Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.4%, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (26.8%). Current educational participation is high, with 28.7% enrolled in formal education: primary (10.9%), secondary (9.4%), and tertiary (2.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Moyne - West has 47 active public transport stops serviced by four routes offering 134 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents typically located 596 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars (90%), while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 19.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 19 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 19 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Moyne - West is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Moyne - West shows above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population, around 5,365 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.7 and 8.3% of residents respectively. Around 67.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 25.0% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 2,660 people, which is higher than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

The latest Census data sees Moyne - West placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Moyne-West has a cultural diversity index below the average, with 90.8% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (91.6%), and speaking English at home exclusively (97.8%). Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 54.0% of Moyne-West's population, compared to 47.3% across the rest of Victoria. The top three ancestry groups are English (30.5%), Australian (30.3%), and Irish (16.3%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 9.7%.

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 9.8%, compared to 8.8% regionally, while Dutch ancestry is slightly underrepresented at 1.4% versus 1.7%. German ancestry, however, is equally represented at 3.5%.

Moyne - West hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Moyne-West has a median age of 45 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s median age of 43, and considerably older than Australia's national norm of 38 years. Comparing Moyne-West with the Rest of Victoria average, the 65-74 age cohort is noticeably over-represented at 14.6%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.4%. This concentration in the 65-74 age bracket is significantly higher than the national average of 9.5%. Since 2021, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 6.8% to 8.2%, and the 25-34 age group has increased from 9.2% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age cohort has decreased from 14.8% to 12.9%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Moyne-West's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand by 42 people (an 18% increase) from 239 to 282. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for all of the total population growth in the area, reflecting its aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 0-4 age cohorts.