Manunda

An assessment of population growth drivers in Manunda reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of February 2026, Manunda's population is approximately 5,395. This figure represents an increase of 204 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,191. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,345 in June 2024 and the addition of 22 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 1,269 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.6% to recent population 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts lacking category splits. By 2041, the population is forecast to increase by 1,568 persons, reflecting a total gain of 28.1% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Manunda is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Manunda has recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 23 homes were approved, with 1 more approved in FY26 so far. The population has declined recently, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost of $492,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In the current financial year, around $13.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Manunda has significantly less development activity, with 76.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Building activity in Manunda is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies, reflecting strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. Manunda reflects a highly mature market, with around 710 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Manunda is forecasted to gain 1,518 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 36 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Stan Williams Park Upgrades, 164 & 172 Hoare Street developments, Pease Street Residential Development, Raintrees Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and 4 Mayers Street Apartments. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Manunda has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 10.6%, as of September 2025. There are 2,464 residents in work while the unemployment rate is 6.6% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is lower at 60.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 10.6% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Manunda has a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.3% of Manunda's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. The ratio of workers to residents indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 1.9%, while employment declined by 5.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 3.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years. Applying these projections to Manunda's employment mix suggests local employment should also increase by similar rates, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Manunda SA2 has a lower income level compared to national averages, based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Manunda is $42,135, with an average income of $52,368. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's at $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $46,311 (median) and $57,558 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Manunda fall between the 5th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.5% of Manunda's population (1,591 individuals) have incomes within the $800 - $1,499 range, differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 range dominates at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Manunda, with only 80.0% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

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

Manunda's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.8% houses and 61.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manunda stood at 21.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.9% and rented ones at 57.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Manunda was $259, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Manunda's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 51.6% of all households, including 15.0% couples with children, 18.8% couples without children, and 16.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 48.4%, with lone person households at 43.0% and group households comprising 5.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Manunda faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 18.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (30.7%). Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 21 active transport stops operating within Manunda, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by five individual routes, collectively providing 640 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 255 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 86%, with 3% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

A relatively low 10.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 91 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Manunda's health indicators show below-average results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average for both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 2,470 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.9% of residents and arthritis impacting 7.5%. Conversely, 69.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (873 people), lower than Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

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

Manunda was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 30.4% of its population born overseas and 23.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Manunda is Christianity, comprising 47.7% of the population. However, the most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which makes up 2.5% of the population compared to 0.8% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English at 21.9%, Other at 20.9%, and Australian at 18.5%. These figures differ from regional averages: English is lower (29.6%), Other is higher (6.9%), and Australian is lower (26.5%). Additionally, there are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 8.7% compared to the regional average of 3.9%, Filipino is also overrepresented at 2.5% versus 0.9%, and Korean is overrepresented at 0.7% compared to 0.2%.

Manunda's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Manunda is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 16.2% of Manunda's population, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 5-14 age group makes up 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.5% to 16.2%, and the 35-44 cohort has risen from 13.5% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has decreased from 10.1% to 8.3%, and the 55-64 group has fallen from 12.2% to 11.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Manunda, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 47% (412 people), reaching 1,286 from 873. In contrast, the 15-24 cohort is projected to show minimal growth of just 6% (46 people).