Moorooka

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

Moorooka's population is approximately 11,887 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,062 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,825. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,885 in June 2025 and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. Moorooka's population density is 2,906 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's growth of 9.8% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 9.3%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.1% of Moorooka's population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort where utilized. By 2041, Moorooka's population is projected to increase by 534 persons, reflecting a total increase of 4.5% over the 16-year period, which is just below the median growth rate of statistical areas across the nation based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Moorooka recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Moorooka has seen approximately 17 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 89 homes were approved, with a further 7 approved in FY26 so far. Each year, an average of 5.8 new residents is associated with every home built during these five financial years.

This indicates that supply is lagging behind demand, which typically leads to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. The construction cost value for new properties averages $393,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $22.0 million, suggesting balanced commercial activity in the area. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Moorooka has significantly lower building activity, 63.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

The market is mature, reflecting possible development constraints when compared nationally. New developments consist of 71.0% standalone homes and 29.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Moorooka's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 716 people per approval, Moorooka indicates an established area. By 2041, the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Moorooka will add 532 residents. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, although increasing competition among buyers may arise as population expands.

Moorooka 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 25 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones include Cross River Rail - Moorooka Station Rebuild, 25-storey Yeerongpilly Green Tower, Moorooka Central Shopping Centre Extension, and Parkside Yeronga. 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 performance in Moorooka has been broadly consistent with national averages

Moorooka has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%.

In December 2025, 7,070 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, slightly above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Moorooka was 74.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 22.9% of residents worked from home. The key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Employment specialization in education & training was particularly high, at 1.3 times the regional level. In contrast, construction employed only 6.6% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, labour force increased by 2.6%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a decrease in unemployment of 0.1 percentage point. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Moorooka's employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 1st July 2023, Moorooka SA2's median income among taxpayers is $65,611. The average income for Moorooka SA2 is $81,470. Nationally, this is extremely high compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $73,064 (median) and $90,725 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 76th percentile ($974 weekly), while household income sits at the 57th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 32.6% of locals (3,875 people) in the $1,500 - $2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.9% of income. Despite this, strong earnings place disposable income at the 56th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Moorooka displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Moorooka's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.7% houses and 39.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moorooka was at 22.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (35.9%) or rented (41.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Moorooka was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Moorooka was recorded at $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Moorooka's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 62.1% of all households, including 26.5% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 30.1% and group households comprising 7.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Moorooka exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Moorooka is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 43.4% of residents aged 15 years and over hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationwide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.5% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 10.1% and certificates for 17.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest data. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 8.7% in tertiary education, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Moorooka has 78 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are served by 30 individual routes, collectively providing 3934 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, typically living within 150 meters of the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, with most residents commuting outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 77%, followed by bus at 9% and train at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 562 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 50 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Moorooka is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Moorooka shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among its general population but higher than the national average in older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 60% of Moorooka's total population (7,120 people) has private health cover, compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.7% and 7.9% of residents respectively. About 69.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among Moorooka's working-age population are generally typical. The area has 11.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,401 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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

Moorooka's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 26.0% born overseas and 18.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Moorooka, accounting for 43.2% of its population. Islam was overrepresented in Moorooka at 2.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.3%), Australian (21.9%), and Other (11.3%). Notably, Irish (10.4% vs regional 8.2%), French (0.7% vs 0.5%), and Vietnamese (1.2% vs 0.8%) groups were overrepresented in Moorooka.

Moorooka's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Moorooka's median age is 36 years, which matches Greater Brisbane's median but is slightly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years makes up 18.4% of Moorooka's population, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 age group comprises 6.0%, which is less than Greater Brisbane's figure. From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.5% to 4.3%. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age group has decreased from 6.6% to 6.0%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic shifts in Moorooka. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 258 people (17%), rising from 1,556 to 1,815. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 52% of total population growth, indicating Moorooka's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are forecasted to decrease in number.