Moranbah

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

Moranbah's population is approximately 9,947 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 522 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,425. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,928 in June 2025 and an additional 57 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 3.3 persons per square kilometer. Moranbah's 5.5% growth since Census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.6%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 62.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering demographic trends, Moranbah is expected to increase by approximately 632 persons to reach 2041, reflecting a gain of 6.2% over the 16-year period.

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

Moranbah has recorded approximately eight residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 44 homes were approved. No residential properties have been approved so far in FY26.

On average, around 12.8 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed over these five financial years. This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average value of $221,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers. In FY26, $15.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to previous years. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Moranbah has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it places among the 12th percentile of areas assessed, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while demand for established dwellings strengthens.

This level is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 25% detached dwellings and 75% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 82% houses). This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. However, with an estimated 5286 people in the area per dwelling approval, Moranbah's development environment is quiet and low activity. Population forecasts indicate Moranbah will gain 613 residents by 2041, according to 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct, Moranbah Mixed Use Development, Moranbah North Waste Coal Mine Gas Power Project Expansion, and Moranbah Affordable Housing Project. 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 conditions in Moranbah rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Moranbah has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.1% as of December 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 4.5% over the past year.

As of that date, 6,554 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%, lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4%. Workforce participation was high at 86.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses showed only 3.9% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were mining, accommodation & food, and education & training.

Moranbah had a notable concentration in mining with employment levels at 11.8 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance was under-represented, with only 4.2% of Moranbah's workforce compared to Regional Qld's 16.1%. The ratio of workers to residents was substantial at 0.9. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 4.5%, labour force grew by 4.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Moranbah's employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Moranbah's employment mix.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023. Moranbah SA2 had a median income of $93,441 and an average income of $105,814 among taxpayers. These figures are exceptionally high nationally compared to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Moranbah would be approximately $104,056 (median) and $117,834 (average) as of March 2026. Census data from 2021 shows incomes in Moranbah rank highly nationally, between the 97th and 98th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution shows 33.1% of residents (3,292 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the broader area where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident with 51.8% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 95.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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 in Moranbah, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moranbah was at 8.8%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (19.8%) or rented (71.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Moranbah was $111, compared to Regional Qld's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Moranbah's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

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

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 51.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 42.7%.

Educational participation is 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 shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (7,271 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and 55.7% nationally.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.6 and 6.8% of residents respectively. 78.8% of residents report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 3.6% of residents aged 65 and over (363 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking higher nationally than 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 74.8% citizens, 85.4% born in Australia, and 92.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.5%. The 'Other' category showed overrepresentation at 0.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (30.2%), English (28.7%), and Irish (7.3%). Maori (1.7%) was notably overrepresented, as were New Zealanders (1.1%) and Filipinos (2.3%).

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

Moranbah's median age is 31 years, which is significantly younger than Regional Queensland's median age of 41 years and considerably younger than Australia's national average median age of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years old comprises a strong 21.9% of Moranbah's population compared to Regional Queensland's percentage, while the 65-74 age cohort is less prevalent at 2.9%. This concentration of people aged 25-34 in Moranbah is notably higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of Moranbah's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 20.0% to 21.9%, while the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 16.5% to 14.5%. Additionally, the proportion of people aged 15 to 24 has dropped from 12.3% to 11.3%. Population projections for Moranbah in the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic shifts. The age group of 25-34 years is projected to increase significantly by 343 individuals, rising from a population of 2,182 to 2,526 people. Conversely, population declines are forecast for both the 15-24 and 5-14 age cohorts.