Manunda

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

Manunda's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 5349. This figure represents an increase of 158 individuals (3.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5191 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5345 in June 2024 and an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1258 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 71.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are used, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as a base. Looking ahead, significant population growth is forecasted for Manunda. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to expand by 1568 persons, reflecting an overall gain of 29.2% 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, a total of 23 homes were approved, with 1 approval so far in FY26. The population has been declining in recent years, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $492,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In the current financial year, $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, at 76.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although building activity has accelerated in recent years, albeit still under the national average, suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, sustaining Manunda'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 strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With around 710 people per dwelling approval, Manunda reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Manunda will gain 1,564 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Manunda 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 35 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones include Stan Williams Park Upgrades, 164 & 172 Hoare Street and 10-30 Pease Street Residential Development, Barlow Park Upgrade, Raintrees Shopping Centre Redevelopment. The following list 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 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 was 10.6% as of September 2025.

At that time, 2464 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 6.6% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4%. Workforce participation in Manunda was lower at 54.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and retail trade. Notably, employment in accommodation & food services is high, at 1.7 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 1.3% of Manunda's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The ratio of workers to residents indicates substantial local employment opportunities. In the year ending September 2025, Manunda's labour force decreased by 1.9%, and employment declined by 5.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 3.7 percentage points. Conversely, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a minor increase in unemployment rate. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1210 jobs, while the state unemployment rate was 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Manunda's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Manunda SA2 was $40,413 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $50,262 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median and average incomes were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Manunda's median income could reach approximately $46,067 and its average income could be around $57,294, based on a 13.99% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Manunda fall between the 5th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 29.5% of Manunda's population (1,577 individuals) earn within the $800 - $1,499 income range, unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 range dominates with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures in Manunda are severe, with only 80% of income remaining, 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 at the latest Census comprised 38.8% houses and 61.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manunda was 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 $1,517. Median weekly rent in Manunda was $259, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. 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 2.4.

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, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (30.7%). Educational participation is 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

Transport analysis indicates 21 active stops operating within Manunda, with a mix of buses serving these points. Five routes service these stops, collectively facilitating 640 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 255 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 91 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Manunda's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Mundanda's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, showing typical levels of common health conditions across both young and elderly age groups. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% (2,471 people), compared to 50.1% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 8.9% and 7.5% of residents respectively.

Around 69.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 71.7% in the rest of Queensland. As of August 2021, 16.4% of Mundanda's population is aged 65 and over (878 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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's population showed high cultural diversity, with 30.4% born overseas and 23.3% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.7%. The category 'Other' religions was notably higher in Manunda at 2.5%, compared to 1.5% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (21.9%), Other (20.9%), and Australian (18.5%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 8.7% in Manunda versus 6.7% regionally. Similarly, Filipino (2.5% vs 1.8%) and Korean (0.7% vs 0.4%) populations were higher than regional averages.

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 makes up 15.7% of Manunda's population, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage. Conversely, the 5-14 age group constitutes 9.6%, which is lower compared to Rest of Qld. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.5% to 15.7%. Meanwhile, the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 10.1% to 8.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Manunda. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 53%, adding 445 people and reaching a total of 1,286 from the current 840. In contrast, the 15-24 cohort is expected to grow minimally by just 7%, with an increase of 54 people.