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 was around 11,683 as of February 2026. This showed an increase of 858 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,825. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,665 in June 2024 and an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,856 persons per square kilometer, placing Moorooka in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Moorooka's growth rate of 7.9% since the census is within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 9.1%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Moorooka.

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. 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 using 2022 data as the base year. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase, with Moorooka expected to increase by 615 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 5.1% over the 17 years.

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 recorded approximately 17 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 89 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 5.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This supply has lagged demand, leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost of new homes was $393,000 during this period. In FY26, there have been $22.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Moorooka has significantly less development activity, at 63.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

Nationally, development activity is also lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Moorooka's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 716 people per dwelling approval, Moorooka reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Moorooka is expected to grow by 597 residents through to 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones include Cross River Rail - Moorooka Station Upgrade, Yeerongpilly Green Tower (25-storey), Beaudesert Road Shopping Centre Extensions, 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.

Moorooka has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Moorooka has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of September 2025. This is 0.6% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Moorooka is 74.9%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 22.9% of residents work from home. The key industries for employment among Moorooka residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training is particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

In contrast, construction employs only 6.6% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. Employment levels increased by 0.2% in Moorooka from September 2024 to September 2025, while labour force increased by 0.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. During the same period, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a drop in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moorooka's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Moorooka SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $65,611 and an average level of $81,470. These figures are high nationally compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $72,113 (median) and $89,544 (average). The 2021 Census data shows personal income ranks at the 76th percentile with weekly earnings of $974, while household income is at the 57th percentile. Distribution data indicates that 32.6% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually (3,808 people), similar to the surrounding region's 33.3%. Housing costs consume 16.9% of income, leaving disposable income at the 56th percentile. Moorooka SA2'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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.7% houses and 39.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moorooka stood at 22.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.9% and rented ones at 41.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Moorooka was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Moorooka's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $360 against 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 account for 62.1 percent of all households, including 26.5 percent couples with children, 24.4 percent couples without children, and 9.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.9 percent, with lone person households at 30.1 percent and group households comprising 7.6 percent of the total. 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

Moorooka's educational attainment is notably high, with 43.4% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications. This compares favourably to Queensland's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.5% of residents 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. 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 30 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3934 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 150 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most residents commute outward. Car remains dominant at 77%, with 9% by bus and 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.9% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 562 trips daily 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 for older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 60% of Moorooka's total population (6,998 people) has private health cover, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.7% and 7.9% of residents respectively. 69.9% of Moorooka's residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has 12.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,439 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those for 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 shows higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.0% born overseas and 18.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Moorooka, making up 43.2% of its population. Islam is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 2.6% versus 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.3%), Australian (21.9%), and Other (11.3%). Notably, Irish ethnicity is more prevalent in Moorooka at 10.4% compared to the regional average of 8.2%, while French and Vietnamese ethnicities show smaller overrepresentations at 0.7% versus 0.5% and 1.2% versus 0.8%, respectively.

Moorooka's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Moorooka's median age is 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 17.5% of Moorooka's population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 65-74 cohort comprises 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.5% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 18.7% to 17.5%. By 2041, forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Moorooka. The 45-54 age group is projected to increase by 264 people (17%) from 1,558 to 1,823. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting Moorooka's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.