Moonta Bay (SA)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic releases for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Moonta Bay has a population estimated at approximately 2,801 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 168 people (6.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 2,633 people. This trend is calculated from the resident population of 2,797, estimated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) plus an additional 97 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population count corresponds to a density ratio of 599 persons per square kilometer, offering substantial room per resident and capacity for additional development. The 6.4% expansion rate in the suburb of Moonta Bay since the 2021 census was higher than the Rest of SA (5.9%) and the SA4 region, establishing it as a local growth leader. Population increases in the area were mostly driven by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly of all demographic gains in recent times.

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Moonta Bay possesses an even workforce split between white and blue collar jobs, with a solid presence in essential service industries, an unemployment rate of 4.9%, and an estimated job growth rate of 3.7% over the past year based on compiled statistical area data from Districts. As of March 2026972 local citizens are employed, while the unemployment rate sits 0.6% below the 5.5% recorded in Regional SA, and participation in the labour force is quite low (41.1% compared to 58.4% in Regional SA). According to Census statistics, a low proportion of 7.4% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.

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The most recent postcode level ATO statistics for financial year 2023 analyzed by Districts indicate that incomes in Moonta Bay are below the national benchmark, with a median of $43,431 and an average of $57,102. This is lower than the figures for Regional SA, which show a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be roughly $47,848 for the median and $62,909 for the average as of March 2026. According to the Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Moonta Bay all rank between the 4th and 7th percentiles across the country. The distribution of earnings shows that 32.5% of the population (910 individuals) earn in the $400 - 799 bracket, differing from broader regional trends where earn in the - range. Although housing expenditures are modest with of income kept, overall disposable income sits at only the th percentile nationwide.

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The composition of residential properties in Moonta Bay at the time of the latest Census consisted of 95.3% houses and 4.7% other structures such as duplexes, apartments, and alternative dwellings, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings in Regional SA. Home ownership in Moonta Bay was significantly higher than the Regional SA level, standing at 55.9%, with the remaining properties occupied by people with a mortgage (26.1%) or renters (18.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the Regional SA average at $1,300, while the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $260, compared to Regional SA averages of $1,153 and $220. Nationwide, mortgage payments in Moonta Bay are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent costs are well below the national figure of $375.

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Family households constitute the majority at 69.5% of all households, consisting of 16.7% couples with children, 45.5% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households representing 28.3% and group households making up 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 individuals is slightly below the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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The area experiences some educational challenges, with university attainment rates (11.3%) standing significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This highlights both a challenge and a chance for focused educational strategies. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share at 8.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (28.6%).

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Health indicators point to below-average wellness outcomes in Moonta Bay, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with common health conditions present across both younger and older cohorts, and the rate of private health insurance found to be relatively low at roughly 50% of the total population (~1,389 people). This compares to a national average of 55.7%.

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Moonta Bay ranks below average for cultural diversity, with 87.8% of the local population born in Australia, 91.0% holding citizenship, and 97.4% speaking only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation in Moonta Bay is Christianity, representing 49.4% of the population, compared to 45.2% in Regional SA.

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With a median age of 59 years, Moonta Bay's population is considerably older than the Regional SA average of 47 and also far above the national average of 38 years. Relative to Regional SA, the 65 - 74 age bracket is highly over-represented (23.9% locally), whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is under-represented (6.9%). This concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is far above the national average of 9.4%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group expanded from 12.8% to 14.5% of the population, while the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.1% to 9.3%. Population models indicate that the age distribution of Moonta Bay will change substantially by . Driving this transition, the to age bracket will increase by ( people), growing from to . Demographics continue to age as residents aged and over account for of the projected growth. Conversely, population drops are expected for the to and to brackets.

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Moonta Bay currently has an estimated 114 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 52 children aged 0-2 and 35 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 7% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 112 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 166. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 6.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.