Moranbah

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Moranbah's population is around 10,013 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 588 people (6.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,425 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,973 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3.3 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Moranbah has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.9% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 65.3% 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. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 612 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 5.7% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Moranbah according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Moranbah has recorded around 8 residential properties granted approval annually, with 44 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 0 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 12.8 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed 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 properties are constructed at an average value of $221,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $15.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Moranbah has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 12th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established dwellings. This level is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 25.0% detached dwellings and 75.0% attached dwellings. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 82.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 5286 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Moranbah will gain 572 residents through to 2041 (from 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.

Moranbah 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 14 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct, Moranbah Mixed Use Development, Moranbah North Waste Coal Mine Gas Power Project Expansion, and the Moranbah Affordable Housing Project, 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.

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Employment conditions in Moranbah rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Moranbah has a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.1%, and 4.5% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,554 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.9% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (85.5% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise mining, accommodation & food, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 11.8 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 4.2% of Moranbah's workforce compared to 16.1% in Regional Qld. The ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 4.5% alongside a labour force increase of 4.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Moranbah. 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 Moranbah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Moranbah SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $93,441 with the average level standing at $105,814. This is exceptionally high nationally and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $102,701 (median) and $116,300 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Moranbah, between the 97th and 98th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows 33.1% of the population (3,314 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the broader area where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Economic strength emerges through 51.8% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 95.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Moranbah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Moranbah, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Moranbah was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 8.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (19.8%) or rented (71.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $111, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Moranbah's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Moranbah has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 75.5% of all households, comprising 42.4% couples with children, 22.2% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.5%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.8 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Moranbah fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 51.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (42.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 42.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 19.6% in primary education, 11.1% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

The level of general health in Moranbah is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Moranbah demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (7,319 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.6% and 6.8% of residents, respectively, while 78.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 3.5% of residents aged 65 and over (355 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

Moranbah ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Moranbah was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 74.8% of its population being citizens, 85.4% born in Australia, and 92.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Moranbah is Christianity, which makes up 45.5% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.7% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Moranbah are Australian, comprising 30.2% of the population, English, comprising 28.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 7.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 1.7% of Moranbah (vs 0.8% regionally), New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 0.9%) and Filipino at 2.3% (vs 0.9%).

Moranbah hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Moranbah's median age of 31 years is materially younger than Regional Qld's 41 as well as considerably younger than the 38-year national average. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 22.6% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 2.8%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 20.0% to 22.6% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 16.5% to 13.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Moranbah. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 341 people (15%) from 2,259 to 2,601. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 cohorts.