Manoora

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

Manoora's population, as of May 2026, stands at approximately 6,325 people. This figure represents an increase of 150 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,175. The estimated resident population of 6,323 in June 2025, combined with four validated new addresses post-Census, supports this inference. This results in a population density ratio of 2,836 persons per square kilometer, placing Manoora in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Overseas migration accounted for roughly 74.4% of recent population growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. By 2041, Manoora is forecast to experience a significant population increase of approximately 1,875 persons, reflecting a total rise of 29.6% over the 16-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 received approximately six dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 32 homes were approved, with a further 40 approved in FY26 so far. The average number of new residents per year for each dwelling over these five years was around 2.6, indicating solid 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 Rest of Qld, Manoora shows significantly 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 measured against national averages, Manoora's development activity is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting 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. Population forecasts indicate Manoora will gain 1,873 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Area's performance significantly influenced by local infrastructure changes. Six projects identified by AreaSearch as impactful: Manoora Infill Housing Development, Stan Williams Park Upgrades, 164 & 172 Hoare Street and 10-30 Pease Street Residential Development, Cairns Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre. Below list details those most relevant.

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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. Its unemployment rate is 12.9%. As of December 2025, 2,639 residents are employed.

The unemployment rate is 8.9% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Manoora lags at 59.4%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 10.0% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade.

Accommodation & food has notable concentration with levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.9%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census working population vs resident population counts. Over December 2024 to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.4% and employment declined by 6.4%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 4.6 percentage points. Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Manoora's local 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

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 Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Manoora's median income would be approximately $45,545 by March 2026, with the average estimated at $56,608 during the same period. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Manoora fall between the 5th and 15th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In Manoora, 32.4% of the population (2,049 individuals) earn within the $800 - $1,499 income range, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads 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

Dwelling structure in Manoora, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 38.7% houses and 61.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manoora was at 17.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (21.5%) or rented (61.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,100, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $270. 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 make up 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 Regional Queensland 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 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%). 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, 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, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served 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, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. 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

Manoora faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46%, affecting around 2915 people, compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common conditions, impacting 9.3% and 6.9% of residents respectively. Approximately 69.1% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of a recent assessment, the area has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1031 people), lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%, with national rankings higher still.

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 dominant religion in Manoora, accounting for 49.7%. However, the category 'Other' showed significant overrepresentation at 1.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

In terms of 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 vs regional average of 3.9%, Hungarian was at 0.4% vs 0.2%, and Filipino at 1.9% vs 0.9%.

Manoora's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Manoora's median age is 36, which is lower than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group is notably over-represented in Manoora at 17.7%, compared to the Regional Queensland average. Conversely, the 55-64 year-olds are under-represented at 10.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.8% to 17.7%, while the 0-4 cohort has risen from 6.8% to 8.2%. During this period, the 5-14 age group declined from 13.4% to 11.2%, and the 55-64 age group dropped from 11.9% to 10.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Manoora's age profile. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to expand by 513 people (46%), growing from 1,121 to 1,635. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is projected to grow by a modest 5%, an increase of 42 people.