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 May 2026, stands at approximately 5,335 people. This figure represents an increase of 144 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,191 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,321 as of June 2025 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,255 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for 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 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, a significant population increase is forecasted for Manunda. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to expand by 1,437 persons to reach 6,772 people by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 26.7% over the 16-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. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 23 homes were approved. In the current financial year FY-26, 9 homes have been approved so far.

Despite recent population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. The average construction value for new properties is $492,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $13.3 million in commercial development approvals, 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, though building activity has accelerated in recent years.

However, this activity remains under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and 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 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 1,423 residents through to 2041, based on 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 37 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Stan Williams Park Upgrades, 164 & 172 Hoare Street developments, and 10-30 Pease Street Residential Development. Other key projects include 4 Mayers Street Apartments and Raintrees Shopping Centre Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be 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 11.0%. As of December 2025, 2,445 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.9% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation in Manunda is lower at 61.1% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses reveal that only 10.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents 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.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.3% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.3% while employment declined by 5.3%, resulting in a 3.8 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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 $42,135 and the average income stood at $52,368 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $46,922 (median) and $58,317 (average) as of March 2026. 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 (1,573 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 after housing costs, 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

In Manunda, as per the latest Census, 38.8% of dwellings were houses while 61.2% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Regional Qld's dwelling structure which comprised 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, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Manunda was recorded at $259, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Manunda's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 constitute 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 account for 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 Regional Queensland 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 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, comprising 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

The analysis of public transportation in Manunda indicates that there are 21 active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops primarily service buses along five individual routes, collectively facilitating 640 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically residing approximately 255 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential region, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The dominant mode of transportation in Manunda is the car, used by 86% of residents, while cycling accounts for only 3%. On average, there are 0.8 vehicles per dwelling in Manunda, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low percentage of residents, specifically 10.6%, work from home, which may be attributed to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 91 trips per day, 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 of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population, around 2,443 people, compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.9% of residents and arthritis impacting 7.5%. About 69.9% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over, around 889 people, which is lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. 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's population showed high cultural diversity, with 30.4% born overseas and 23.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Manunda, accounting for 47.7%. Notably, the 'Other' religious group comprised 2.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

For ancestry, English was the top group at 21.9% (regional average: 29.6%), followed by Other at 20.9% (regional average: 6.9%) and Australian at 18.5% (regional average: 26.5%). Significant differences were observed in the representation of Australian Aboriginal (Manunda: 8.7%, regional: 3.9%), Filipino (Manunda: 2.5%, regional: 0.9%), and Korean (Manunda: 0.7%, regional: 0.2%) groups.

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

The median age in Manunda is 39 years, which is lower than Regional Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 15.5%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 8.6% compared to Regional Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.5% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 10.1% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Manunda's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to increase by 376 people (45%), from 826 to 1,203. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows by a modest 5% (34 people).