Manoora (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Manoora are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Manoora (Qld) is around 6,329, reflecting an increase of 154 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for the surrounding areas applied to Manoora by AreaSearch in June 2024 indicated a resident population of 6,333, with three additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,838 persons per square kilometer, placing Manoora in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for years post-2032.

Proportional growth weightings are applied to state projections where used, aligning with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, Manoora's population is forecasted to increase by 1,976 persons, reflecting a total increase of 31.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Manoora, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Manoora shows an average of around 6 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 32 homes were approved, with a further 40 approved in FY-26 to date. This translates to an estimated 2.6 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $532,000. In contrast, commercial approvals registered this financial year totalled $398,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Manoora has markedly lower building activity, recording 71.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, Manoora's building activity is also below average, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity in Manoora comprises 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This contrasts with current patterns that favour detached housing at 39.0%, indicating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The location has approximately 1151 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Manoora will gain 1,980 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.

Manoora has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified six projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Manoora Infill Housing Development, Stan Williams Park Upgrades, 164 & 172 Hoare Street and 10-30 Pease Street Residential Development, and Cairns Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre. The following list provides details on those projects considered most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Manoora face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Manoora has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 9.7% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In Manoora, 2,810 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 5.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Manoora lagged at 52.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Employment levels in accommodation & food were notably high at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Manoora's labour force decreased by 1.6%, with employment decreasing by 3.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Manoora's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Manoora had a median taxpayer income of $39,228 and an average income of $48,788. These figures are below the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 for Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $44,716, with average income estimated at $55,613. According to 2021 Census figures, Manoora's household, family and personal incomes fall between the 5th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income distribution in Manoora shows 32.4% of residents earning between $800 and $1,499, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 to $2,999 category is predominant at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Manoora, with only 79.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

Manoora features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Manoora, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.7% houses and 61.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manoora was at 17.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (21.5%) or rented (61.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Manoora was $1,100, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517 and Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Manoora was $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315 and the national figure of $375.

Manoora features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 53.5% of all households, including 16.0% couples with children, 16.8% couples without children, and 18.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 46.5%, with lone person households at 41.2% and group households making up 5.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Educational achievement in Manoora places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 17.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 32.1%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education. Holy Spirit College - Manoora Campus provides local educational services within Manoora, but has no current students enrolled as of the given date. Secondary education dominates with one school, while primary students typically attend schools in adjacent catchments. With no schools located within Manoora, residents must travel to neighboring areas for educational services. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus information.

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

Manoora has 20 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. Five different routes service these stops, collectively offering 650 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport is rated as good, with residents typically living 212 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 92 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Manoora are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Manoora shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions more prevalent than average among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,945 people), compared to 50.1% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 9.3% of residents, while arthritis impacts 6.9%.

A total of 69.1% report being clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.7% in Rest of Qld. The area has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,018 people), aligning with the general population's health profile.

Manoora 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

Manoora's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.2% born overseas and 23.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Manoora, comprising 49.7%. The 'Other' religion category was slightly overrepresented in Manoora at 1.6%, compared to 1.5% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were Other (23.4%), English (19.5%), and Australian (18.2%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (12.1%) and Hungarian (0.4%) groups were overrepresented in Manoora compared to regional averages of 6.7% and 0.2%, respectively. Maori representation was also higher at 0.8%.

Manoora's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Manoora's median age in 2021 was 36 years, lower than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group was notably over-represented in Manoora at 17.7%, compared to the Rest of Qld average. Conversely, the 55-64 year-olds were under-represented at 10.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.8% to 17.7%, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 13.4% to 11.4% and the 55-64 group decreased from 11.9% to 10.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Manoora's age profile. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 610 people (55%), from 1,120 to 1,731. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is expected to grow modestly by 4% (32 people).