Manoora (Qld)

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

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Manoora (Qld) is estimated at around 6,339 people. This reflects an increase of 164 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,175 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,333 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,842 persons per square kilometer, placing Manoora in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast for Manoora. The area is 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, Manoora averaged approximately 6 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 32 homes were approved. In FY26, so far, 40 homes have been approved.

Each year, an average of 2.6 new residents was gained for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating healthy demand which should support property values. The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $532,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, there have been $78,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Manoora records significantly lower building activity than the rest of Queensland, at 71.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

Nationally, building activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. The majority of new building activity consists of standalone homes (80.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 20.0%, sustaining the area's 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 continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 1151 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Manoora is projected to add 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 40% nationally

AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact the area, with key ones being 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 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 is 12.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,672 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 8.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Manoora lags at 59.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses show that only 10.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents 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%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the 12-month period ending in 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. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment rose by 1.7%, the labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Manoora. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Manoora's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Manoora has a lower income level compared to national averages, based on latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Manoora is $39,228, with an average income of $48,788. These figures contrast with those for the Rest of Qld, which are $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Considering a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Manoora as of September 2025 would be approximately $43,115 (median) and $53,623 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Manoora fall between the 5th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income distribution indicates that 32.4% of locals (2,053 people) earn between $800 and $1,499, differing from the regional trend where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Housing affordability is a significant issue in Manoora, with only 79.2% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Manoora's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.7% houses and 61.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manoora stood at 17.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.5% and rented ones at 61.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,100, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Manoora was $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Manoora's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,100 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 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 account for the remaining 46.5%, with lone person households at 41.2% and group households comprising 5.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the 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 (10.9%) and certificates (32.1%).

Educational participation is 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 indicates 20 active public transport stops in Manoora, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by five distinct routes, collectively facilitating 650 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average situated 212 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Manoora residents commute outward using cars as the dominant mode at 88%, while cycling accounts for 2%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 92 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Manoora is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant challenges for Manoora. AreaSearch's assessment shows high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Mental health issues affect 9.3% of residents, while arthritis impacts 6.9%.

Only 47% of the total population (~2,950 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%. 69.1% of Manoora residents claim to be free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,045 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld.

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's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 26.2% born overseas and 23.3% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Manoora, comprising 49.7% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 1.6%, higher than Rest of Qld's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' topped at 23.4%, significantly higher than the regional average of 6.9%. English ancestry stood at 19.5%, lower than the regional average of 29.6%, and Australian ancestry was 18.2%, also lower than the regional average of 26.5%. Significant disparities were seen in Australian Aboriginal (12.1% vs regional 3.9%), Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.2%), and Maori (0.8% vs regional 0.8%) representations.

Manoora's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Manoora's median age of 36 is lower than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 18.5% of Manoora's population, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 10.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.8% to 18.5%, the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.4% to 10.9%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 11.9% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Manoora's age profile. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to expand by 558 people (48%), growing from 1,172 to 1,731. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is projected to grow by a modest 7%, adding 56 people.