Manoora
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Manoora are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Manoora's population is approximately 6,329. This figure represents an increase from the 2021 Census count of 6,175 people, a rise of 154 individuals (2.5%). This change is inferred from ABS estimates; as of June 2024, Manoora's population was 6,333, with three additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,838 persons per square kilometer, placing Manoora in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration drove recent population growth, contributing approximately 53.6% of overall gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. By 2041, Manoora's population is forecast to increase by 1,976 persons, marking a total rise of 31.3% over the 17-year period and placing it in the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas expected growth.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Manoora, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Manoora has granted approximately 6 residential approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling 32 homes. In FY-26 so far, 40 approvals have been recorded. Over these 5 years, an average of 2.6 new residents per dwelling was recorded, indicating strong demand which should support property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $280,000, lower than regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, $398,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development activity compared to the rest of Queensland where building activity is 71.0% higher per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, reflecting Manoora's mature market status which may also indicate possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. Developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated (39.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amidst densification trends. With around 1161 people per dwelling approval, Manoora reflects a highly mature market with population forecasts indicating an increase of 1,980 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Manoora has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Manoora Infill Housing Development, Stan Williams Park Upgrades, 164 & 172 Hoare Street and 10-30 Pease Street Residential Development, Izatt Close Residential Development. The following details those 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.

Employment conditions in Manoora face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Manoora has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 9.7%.

There are 2,810 residents employed, which is 5.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Manoora lags at 52.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.9% of Manoora's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.6%, while employment declined by 3.8%, resulting in a 2.1 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Manoora's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Manoora has lower incomes compared to national averages. The median income is $39,228 and the average is $48,788. In contrast, Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Manoora are approximately $44,716 (median) and $55,613 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that incomes in Manoora fall between the 5th and 16th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 32.4% of Manoora residents earn between $800 - $1,499 (2,050 individuals), while the region's leading bracket is $1,500 - $2,999 at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Manoora, with only 79.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

Manoora features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Manoora, showing 38.7% houses and 61.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manoora was at 17.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (21.5%) or rented (61.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,100, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Manoora was $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. Nationally, Manoora's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 53.5% of all households, including 16.0% couples with children, 16.8% couples without children, and 18.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 46.5%, with lone person households at 41.2% and group households comprising 5.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 17.8%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead with 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (32.1%).

Educational participation is high at 34.7%, including primary education (12.4%), secondary education (8.6%), and tertiary education (4.9%). Holy Spirit College - Manoora Campus, established in 1995, provides local educational services within Manoora but has no current students enrolled as of 2021. Secondary education is dominated by one school, while primary students typically attend schools in adjacent areas due to the lack of local schooling options. Residents must travel to neighboring areas for educational services.

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

Transport analysis indicates 20 active stops operating in Manoora, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by five individual routes, collectively facilitating 650 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 212 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 92 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Manoora are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Manoora's health indicators show below-average outcomes, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,905 people), compared to 50.1% across Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues impact 9.3% of residents, while arthritis affects 6.9%.

A total of 69.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.7% across Rest of Qld. The area has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,021 people).

Manoora was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Manoora's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 26.2% born overseas and 23.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Manoora, comprising 49.7% of its population. The category 'Other' showed notable overrepresentation in Manoora, making up 1.6% compared to 1.5% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Other (23.4%), English (19.5%), and Australian (18.2%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 12.1%, Hungarian at 0.4%, and Maori at 0.8% compared to regional averages of 6.7%, 0.2%, and 0.6% respectively.

Manoora's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Manoora's median age of 36 is lower than both Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38. Compared to Queensland's average, Manoora has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 25-34 years old (17.7%) and a lower proportion of those aged 55-64 years old (10.6%). Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 25 to 34 increased from 14.8% to 17.7%, while the age group of 5 to 14 declined from 13.4% to 11.4%. The age group of 55 to 64 also decreased, from 11.9% to 10.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Manoora's age profile. The population aged 25 to 34 is projected to grow by 612 people (55%), reaching a total of 1,732 individuals. Meanwhile, the population aged 15 to 24 is expected to increase modestly by 4%, adding 32 people.