Moorooka

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Moorooka's population is around 11,683 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 858 people (7.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,825 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,665 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,856 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Moorooka's 7.9% growth since the census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 615 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 5.1% in total 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 around 17 residential properties granted approval each year, with 89 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 6 so far in FY-26. With an average of 5.8 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $393,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. There have also been $22.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Moorooka has significantly less development activity (63.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 716 people per dwelling approval, Moorooka reflects a highly mature market.

Looking ahead, Moorooka is expected to grow by 597 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 26 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Cross River Rail - Moorooka Station Upgrade, 25-Storey Yeerongpilly Green Tower, Beaudesert Road Shopping Centre Extensions, and Parkside Yeronga, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and 2.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,070 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (76.5% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 22.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical. The area has particular employment specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. In contrast, construction employs just 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 vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2% and labour force increased by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Moorooka. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Moorooka's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Moorooka SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $65,611 with the average level standing at $81,470. This is extremely high nationally and compares to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $72,113 (median) and $89,544 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 76th percentile ($974 weekly), while household income sits at the 57th percentile. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.6% of residents (3,808 people), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. High housing costs consume 16.9% of income, though strong earnings still 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

Dwelling structure within Moorooka, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 60.7% houses and 39.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Moorooka was lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 22.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.9%) or rented (41.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Brisbane metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Moorooka's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less 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 dominate at 62.1% of all households, comprising 26.5% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.9%, with lone person households at 30.1% and group households comprising 7.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 28.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 27.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (17.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.7% of residents 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

Public transport analysis reveals 78 active transport stops operating within Moorooka, comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 30 individual routes, collectively providing 3,934 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 150 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 77%, with 9% by bus and 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 22.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (6,998 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.7% and 7.9% of residents, respectively, while 69.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly 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, though they rank lower nationally than 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 26.0% of its population born overseas and 18.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Moorooka is Christianity, which makes up 43.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 2.6% of the population, compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Moorooka are English, comprising 25.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 21.9% of the population, and Other, comprising 11.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Irish is notably overrepresented at 10.4% of Moorooka (vs 8.2% regionally), French at 0.7% (vs 0.5%) and Vietnamese at 1.2% (vs 0.8%).

Moorooka's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Moorooka's median age of 36 years stands equal to Greater Brisbane's 36, though somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 17.5% compared to Greater Brisbane, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 6.1%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.5% to 4.7% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 18.7% to 17.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Moorooka. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding 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 the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.