Manoora (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Manoora are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Manoora's estimated population is around 6,339 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 164 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,175 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,333 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,842 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 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. Moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast, with the Manoora (Qld) statistical area expected to grow by 1,976 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 31.1% in total 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Manoora averaged around 6 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 32 homes were approved, with a further 40 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling built over the past five financial years gained about 2.6 new residents.

The average construction value of new homes is $532,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment. This year has seen $78,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of Qld, Manoora records significantly lower building activity, at 71.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, Manoora's building activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

The area sees 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (39.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Manoora has approximately 1151 people per dwelling approval, showing an established market. Future projections estimate Manoora adding 1,970 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects potentially affecting this region. 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 details those most likely to be 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. The unemployment rate was 12.2% as of September 2025, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

There were 2,672 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 8.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Manoora is lower at 52.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has a notably high concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Manoora's labour force decreased by 2.2% and employment declined by 6.2%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 3.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, the labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Manoora's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Manoora had a lower than average national income level according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Manoora was $39,228 and the average income stood at $48,788. These figures compared to Rest of Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $43,115 (median) and $53,623 (average). Census data showed that household, family and personal incomes in Manoora all fell between the 5th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income distribution revealed that the predominant cohort spanned 32.4% of locals (2,053 people) with incomes in the $800 - 1,499 category, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 79.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 5th percentile.

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 remaining dwellings either mortgaged (21.5%) or rented (61.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,100, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. Nationally, Manoora's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 46.5%, comprising 41.2% lone person households and 5.3% group households. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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's university qualification rate is 17.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (32.1%). Educational participation is high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.4% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 4.9% in tertiary education.

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.

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

Transport analysis shows 20 active stops operating in Manoora, with a mix of bus services. These are covered by 5 routes, offering 650 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport access is rated good, with residents typically 212 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 92 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 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 lower-than-average health outcomes, with common conditions more prevalent than average among both younger and older age groups. Only about 47% (~2,950 people) have private health cover, compared to Rest of Qld's 50.9% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 9.3% and arthritis impacts 6.9% of residents, with 69.1% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 71.7% in Rest of Qld.

The area has 16.1% (1,020 people) aged 65 and over, similar to the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Manoora was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Manoora, compared to most local markets, had a higher cultural diversity with 26.2% of its population born overseas and 23.3% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Manoora, constituting 49.7%. The category 'Other' showed an overrepresentation in Manoora, comprising 1.6% compared to 1.5% regionally.

Regarding ancestry, the top groups were Other (23.4%), English (19.5%), and Australian (18.2%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 12.1%, Hungarian at 0.4%, and Maori at 0.8%.

Manoora's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Manoora has a median age of 36, which is lower than both Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 17.7% of Manoora's population, higher than the Rest of Qld average, while the 55-64 year-olds make up 10.6%, lower than the Rest of Qld average. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.8% to 17.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 13.4% to 11.4%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 11.9% to 10.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Manoora's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 608 people (54%) from 1,122 to 1,731. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age cohort is expected to grow by a modest 4% (30 people).