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, as of November 2025, is approximately 10,641, reflecting a 6.3% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 10,014 people. This growth was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 5.2 persons per square kilometer. Moyne-West's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.2%), making it a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 48.1% to overall population gains, with other drivers also positive factors. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data.

For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends indicate an overall population decline, with the area's population expected to reduce by 2,884 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are projected to increase, with a rise of 39 people anticipated in this cohort.

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

Moyne-West recorded approximately 51 residential properties approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 258 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved in FY26. On average, 1.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand dynamics.

The average construction cost for new properties was $415,000, suggesting developers targeted the premium market segment. This financial year has seen $23.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Moyne-West had 19.0% less building activity per person and ranked at the 58th percentile nationally for areas assessed.

New developments consisted predominantly of detached houses (97.0%) with a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (3.0%), maintaining the area's low-density nature. With around 262 people per dwelling approval, Moyne-West exhibited characteristics of a low-density area. Population projections indicating stability or decline may reduce housing demand pressures in the future, potentially benefiting 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 that may impact the region. Notable initiatives include Port Fairy Play and Skate, Port Fairy East Beach Landfill Coastal Adaptation Plan, Rivers Run Estate, and Ryan Corner Wind Farm. The following details those likely most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Moyne - West significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Moyne-West has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 1.5% as of September 2025. It had 5,172 residents in work at this time, with an unemployment rate 2.3 percentage points lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

According to Census responses, 19.2% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had notably high concentration with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average. Education & training was under-represented, with only 7.7% of Moyne-West's workforce compared to Rest of Vic.'s 9.1%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.9%, employment declined by 3.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with marginal unemployment increase. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moyne-West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Moyne - West SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,751, with an average of $62,671. This is below the national average. Rest of Vic.'s median income is $50,954 and average is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for September 2025 would be approximately $53,855, and average would be around $67,841. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Moyne - West rank modestly, between the 37th and 40th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.1% of the community (3,628 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 30.3% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 89.0% retained. Disposable income sits below average at the 42nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th 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, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Moyne-West was $280, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Moyne-West's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. 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 regional benchmarks indicate that 24.3% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to the Victorian average of 33.4%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 16.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications. This includes advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (26.8%).

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

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 moderate, with residents typically living 596 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily using private vehicles at a rate of 90%, while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 19.2% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 19 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,363 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.7 and 8.3% of residents respectively, while 67.4% declare themselves 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 24.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,647 people), which is higher than the 23.5% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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 had a cultural diversity index below average, with 90.8% citizens, 91.6% born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 54.0%, compared to 47.3% in Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.5%), Australian (30.3%), and Irish (16.3%), notably higher than regional averages of 28.9%, 29.4%, and 9.7% respectively.

Scottish representation was overrepresented at 9.8% compared to the region's 8.8%. Dutch representation was lower at 1.4% versus the regional average of 1.7%, while German representation matched the regional average of 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 43 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the average in Rest of Vic., Moyne-West has an over-representation of the 65-74 cohort (14.6% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (10.1%). This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. From 2021 to present, the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 6.8% to 8.1%, while the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 9.7% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 11.4% and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 14.8% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Moyne-West's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 42 people (an 18% increase) from 239 to 282. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 100% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.