Moorooka
Statistical Area - sa2

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 11,671 as of Aug 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 846 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,825. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,665 in June 2024 and the addition of 22 validated new addresses post-Census. Moorooka's population density ratio is 2,853 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's 7.8% growth since census is within 0.8 percentage points of the national average (8.6%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.0% of Moorooka's population gains recently.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median for Australian statistical areas, with Moorooka expected to grow by 615 persons to 2041 based on current numbers, representing a total increase of 5.2% 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 annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 89 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, and one so far in FY-26. On average, around 5.8 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed each year over these five financial years. This indicates demand outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $556,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. There have been $22.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Brisbane. Moorooka shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 63.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This activity is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning 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. Future projections show Moorooka adding 609 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Moorooka has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

A total of 27 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area's performance. These include key projects such as Parkside Yeronga Priority Development Area, Arcadia Retirement Living - RetireAustralia, Yeerongpilly Green Village Centre, and Yeerongpilly Green. The following list provides details on those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Moorooka has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in June 2025, with estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the previous year.

Residents' unemployment rate was 0.6% higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%, while participation rate was 70.6% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for Moorooka residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Employment specialization in education & training is notable at 1.3 times the regional level, whereas construction employs only 6.6% of local workers compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparison between working population and resident population.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, Moorooka's employment levels increased by 1.6%, labour force by 1.9%, raising unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National unemployment rate was 4.5%, lagging national employment growth of 0.26%. Job and Skills Australia's May 2025 forecasts project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Moorooka's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 on 30 June 2022, Moorooka had a median income among taxpayers of $61,831 and an average level of $80,994. These figures are higher than the national averages of $55,645 for Greater Brisbane's median income and $70,520 for its average income. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $69,071 (median) and $90,478 (average). The 2021 Census data shows Moorooka's personal income ranks at the 76th percentile ($974 weekly), while household income ranks at the 57th percentile. Distribution data indicates that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 32.6% of residents (3,804 people), similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 33.3%. High housing costs consume 16.9% of income in Moorooka, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 57th percentile. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.7% houses and 39.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 77.8% houses and 22.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moorooka was at 22.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.9% and rented ones at 41.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Brisbane metro's $2,100. Median weekly rent was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $388. Nationally, Moorooka's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were below 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 notable, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are 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+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (17.4%). Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.8% in primary, 8.7% in tertiary, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education.

Moorooka State School and St Brendan's Primary School serve a total of 614 students, reflecting typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1042) with balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. The ratio of school places per 100 residents is 5.3, below the regional average of 9.7, indicating some students may attend schools outside Moorooka.

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

Moorooka has 79 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 29 different routes, collectively carrying 3896 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 150 meters from the nearest stop.

Services average 556 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Moorooka's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Moorooka residents showed relatively positive health outcomes, with a low prevalence of common conditions among the general population but higher than national averages for older, at-risk groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (6,979 people), compared to 57.3% across Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues and asthma were the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.7% and 7.9% of residents respectively. A total of 69.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.3% across Greater Brisbane. The area had 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,401 people), lower than the 13.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors required more attention due to presenting some challenges.

Moorooka was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Moorooka had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.0% of its population born overseas and 18.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Moorooka, making up 43.2% of people. However, Islam was more prevalent in Moorooka compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 2.6% versus 2.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.3%), Australian (21.9%), and Other (11.3%). Notably, Irish (10.4%) and French (0.7%) were overrepresented in Moorooka compared to regional averages of 9.2% and 0.5%, respectively. Vietnamese, however, had a slightly lower representation at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 1.3%.

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 Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 18.2% of Moorooka's population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 65-74 age group constitutes 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.5% to 4.4%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.7% to 13.2%. By 2041, Moorooka's population forecasts show significant demographic changes. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 285 people (19%), from 1,537 to 1,823. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting Moorooka's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.