Manoora

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Manoora's population is around 6,339 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 164 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,175 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,333 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,842 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 53.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 1,976 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 31.1% in total 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 around 6 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with 32 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 40 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.6 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $280,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $398,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

When measured against Rest of Qld, Manoora shows substantially reduced construction (71.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is similarly 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 1,970 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Manoora Infill Housing Development, Stan Williams Park Upgrades, 164 & 172 Hoare Street and 10-30 Pease Street Residential Development, and the Cairns Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Manoora possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 12.9%. As of December 2025, 2,639 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 8.9% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (58.8% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.9% of Manoora's workforce compared to 4.5% in Regional Qld. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.4% while employment declined by 6.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 4.6 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Manoora. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Manoora's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Manoora SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Manoora SA2's median income among taxpayers is $40,899 and the average income stands at $50,833, compared to figures for Regional Qld of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $44,952 (median) and $55,871 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Manoora all fall between the 5th and 15th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 32.4% of the population (2,053 individuals) fall 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, with only 79.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 5th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Manoora, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 38.7% houses and 61.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Manoora lagged that of Regional Qld 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 well below the Regional Qld average at $1,100, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $270, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Manoora's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 53.5% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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 (17.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (32.1%).

Educational participation is notably 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 reveals 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; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 2% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 10.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Manoora, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,922 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.3% and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 69.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,045 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 26.2% of its population born overseas and 23.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Manoora is Christianity, which makes up 49.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Other, which comprises 1.6% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Manoora are Other, comprising 23.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%; English, comprising 19.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%; and Australian, comprising 18.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 12.1% of Manoora (vs 3.9% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.2%), and Filipino at 1.9% (vs 0.9%).

Manoora's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 36, Manoora is considerably lower than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and similarly marginally lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (18.6% locally), while 55 - 64 year-olds are under-represented (10.3%). In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.8% to 18.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 10.9% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Manoora's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, growing by 556 people (47%) from 1,175 to 1,732. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort grows by a modest 7% (53 people).