Manoora

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

As of November 2025, Manoora's population is approximately 6,329, marking an increase of 154 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,175. This change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 6,333 as of June 2024 and three additional validated addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio stands at 2,838 persons per square kilometer, placing Manoora in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.6% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. Note that these state projections lack age category splits; thus, proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied when utilized. Examining future trends, a significant population increase is forecasted for Manoora, with an expected growth of 1,976 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 31.3% over the seventeen-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 seen approximately 6 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 32 homes were approved, with another 40 approved so far in FY26. Each dwelling, on average, accommodates about 2.6 new residents per year over these years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $280,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers. This financial year has seen $398,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Manoora shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 71.0% fewer approvals per person, generally supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists mainly of detached houses (75.0%) and attached dwellings (25.0%), sustaining Manoora's suburban identity with a focus on family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (39.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. The location has around 1161 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Manoora is forecasted to gain approximately 1,980 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.

Manoora has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Manoora Infill Housing Development, Stan Williams Park Upgrades, 164 & 172 Hoare Street and 10-30 Pease Street Residential Development, and Cairns Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre. The following list 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 essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 12.2%.

There are 2,672 residents employed, which is 8.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 52.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Notably, accommodation & food has an employment level that is 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.9% of Manoora's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, while employment declined by 6.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 3.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and a smaller increase in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Manoora's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

The Manoora SA2's median income among taxpayers was $39,228 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $48,788 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimates suggest approximately $44,716 (median) and $55,613 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, incomes in Manoora fall between the 5th and 15th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 32.4% of the population (2,050 individuals) have incomes within the $800 - $1,499 range, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Manoora, with only 79.2% of income remaining, 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

Dwelling structure in Manoora, as per the latest Census, comprised 38.7% houses and 61.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 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 lower at $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 has a lower university qualification rate of 17.8%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (32.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (12.4%), secondary education (8.6%), and tertiary education (4.9%).

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

Manoora has 20 active public transport stops, all serving buses. Five routes operate here, together offering 650 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 212 meters to the nearest stop.

Daily service frequency is 92 trips across all routes, translating to about 32 weekly trips per individual 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 shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions slightly more prevalent than average among 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% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 9.3 and 6.9% of residents respectively.

69.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 71.7% across Rest of Qld. The area has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,021 people).

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Manoora was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Manoora's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to 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, accounting for 49.7%. The 'Other' religious category had a slightly higher representation in Manoora (1.6%) compared to Rest of Qld (1.5%).

For ancestry, the top groups were Other (23.4%), English (19.5%), and Australian (18.2%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 12.1% in Manoora versus 6.7% regionally, while Hungarian (0.4%) and Filipino (1.9%) also showed higher representation compared to regional averages of 0.2% and 1.8%, respectively.

Manoora's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Manoora's median age is 36, which is lower than Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38. Compared to Queensland's average, Manoora has an over-representation of the 25-34 age cohort at 17.7% and an under-representation of the 55-64 age group at 10.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group increased from 14.8% to 17.7%, while the 5-14 cohort decreased from 13.4% to 11.4% and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Manoora's age profile. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 612 people (55%), from 1,119 to 1,732. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 4% (32 people).