Manunda

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Manunda's population is around 5,395 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 204 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,191 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,345 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,269 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 71.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 1,568 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 28.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Manunda has recorded around 4 residential properties granted approval annually, with 23 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 4 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $492,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. Additionally, $13.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Manunda has significantly less development activity (76.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, 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. 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. With around 710 people per dwelling approval, Manunda reflects a highly mature market.

Population forecasts indicate Manunda will gain 1,518 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 36 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Stan Williams Park Upgrades, 164 & 172 Hoare Street and 10-30 Pease Street Residential Development, Raintrees Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and 4 Mayers Street Apartments, 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.

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

Manunda possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 11.0%. As of December 2025, 2,445 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 6.9% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (60.6% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.3% of Manunda's workforce compared to 4.5% in Regional Qld. The ratio of 0.8 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 1.3% while employment declined by 5.3%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 3.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Manunda. 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 Manunda's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% 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 Manunda SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Manunda SA2's median income among taxpayers is $42,135 and the average income stands at $52,368, compared to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $46,311 (median) and $57,558 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Manunda all fall between the 5th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 29.5% of the population (1,591 individuals) fall within the $800 - 1,499 income range, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 5th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Manunda, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 38.8% houses and 61.2% 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 Manunda lagged that of Regional Qld at 21.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (21.9%) or rented (57.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $259, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Manunda's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 51.6% of all households, comprising 15.0% couples with children, 18.8% couples without children, and 16.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 48.4%, with lone person households at 43.0% and group households comprising 5.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (30.7%).

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 reveals 21 active transport stops operating within Manunda, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 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; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 3% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 10.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Manunda, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,470 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.9% and 7.5% of residents, respectively, while 69.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (873 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than 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 be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 30.4% of its population born overseas and 23.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Manunda is Christianity, which makes up 47.7% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 2.5% 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 Manunda are English, comprising 21.9% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%, Other, comprising 20.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%, and Australian, comprising 18.5% 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 8.7% of Manunda (vs 3.9% regionally), Filipino at 2.5% (vs 0.9%) and Korean at 0.7% (vs 0.2%).

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

The 38-year median age in Manunda is marginally below Regional Qld's average of 41 while in line with Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 16.2% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.5% to 16.2% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.5% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 8.3% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.2% to 11.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Manunda. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 47% (412 people), reaching 1,286 from 873. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 6% (46 people).