Manoora

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

As of February 2026, Manoora's population is approximately 6,339, indicating a rise of 164 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,175. This increase was inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 6,333 in June 2024 and three validated new addresses post-Census. The population density is around 2,842 persons per square kilometer, placing Manoora in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.6% of overall population gains recently. 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 from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied where age category splits aren't available. Future trends suggest a significant population increase in Manoora by 2041, with an expected rise of 1,976 persons, reflecting a total increase of 31.1% over the 17 years.

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 experienced approximately six dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 32 homes were approved, with a further four approved in FY26 so far. Each dwelling has accommodated an average of 2.6 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $280,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. In FY26, $398,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Manoora shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 71.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. When compared nationally, Manoora's development activity is also under the average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

New development consists of 75.0% detached houses and 25.0% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of 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 amid densification trends. The location has approximately 1161 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Manoora is forecasted to gain 1,970 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Manoora has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely affecting the region. Notable 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 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 is 12.2%. At this time, 2672 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 8.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

The workforce participation rate in Manoora is significantly lower at 59.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 10.0% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and retail trade. Notably, accommodation & food services have an employment concentration of 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 0.9% of Manoora's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, and employment declined by 6.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 3.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a smaller increase in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Manoora's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Manoora's 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 $40,899 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $50,833 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $44,952 and the average $55,871 based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Manoora all fall between the 5th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 32.4% of Manoora's population earns within the $800 - $1,499 range. This contrasts with the surrounding region where the leading income 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

In Manoora, as per the latest Census evaluation, 38.7% of dwellings were houses while 61.3% were other types such as semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manoora stood at 17.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.5% and rented ones at 61.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,100, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Manoora was $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Manoora's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,100 versus 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 constitute 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 comprise 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 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 32.1%.

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

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

Public transport analysis shows 20 active transport stops operating within Manoora, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 650 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 212 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 2% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.0% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 92 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Manoora is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data for Manoora shows significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low in Manoora, at approximately 46% of the total population (around 2,922 people), compared to 52.5% across the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.3% and 6.9% of residents respectively. However, 69.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. Manoora has 16.5% of its population aged 65 and over (around 1,045 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland, with national rankings being even higher.

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 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%. However, the category 'Other' showed notable overrepresentation, making up 1.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' was highest at 23.4%, substantially above the regional average of 6.9%. English ancestry was lower than average at 19.5%, while Australian was also below average at 18.2%. Certain ethnic groups showed notable differences: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 12.1% (regionally 3.9%), Hungarian at 0.4% (regionally 0.2%), and Filipino at 1.9% (regionally 0.9%).

Manoora's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Manoora's median age in 2021 was 36, which is lower than Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38. Comparing Manoora with Queensland's average, the 25-34 age group was notably over-represented at 18.6%, while the 55-64 age group was under-represented at 10.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.8% to 18.6%, the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.4% to 10.9%, and the 55-64 age group has decreased from 11.9% to 10.3%. Demographic projections suggest Manoora's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 age group projected to expand by 556 people (47%) from 1,175 to 1,732, and the 15-24 age group expected to grow by a modest 7% (53 people).