Manoora (Qld)

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Manoora (Qld) is around 6,325. This figure reflects a growth of 150 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,175. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,323 residents based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and four additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,836 persons per square kilometer, placing Manoora in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For demographic projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia's projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, a significant population increase is forecast for Manoora, with an expected growth of 1,876 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 29.6% over the 16-year period.

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 reveals Manoora averaged approximately 6 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, about 32 homes were approved, with another 40 in FY-26. Each year, around 2.7 new residents are associated with each dwelling built over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of new homes is $532,000, indicating a focus on premium market properties. This year, there have been $78,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of Qld, Manoora has significantly lower building activity (71.0% below the regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, it also records lower activity, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. The majority (80.0%) of new builds are standalone homes, with 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Manoora's suburban identity.

Despite current housing mix, developers build more traditional houses than suggested by Census data (39.0%), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The area has approximately 1151 people per dwelling approval, showing an established market. Future projections estimate Manoora will add 1,874 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact local performance. AreaSearch identified six projects potentially affecting the area. Notable ones are Manoora Infill Housing Development, Stan Williams Park Upgrades, 164 & 172 Hoare Street and 10-30 Pease Street Residential Development, Cairns Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre. The following 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 was 12.9% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2639 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 8.9% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4%.

Workforce participation in Manoora lagged at 59.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses showed that only 10.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area had a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data for the 12-month period showed labour force decreasing by 1.4% while employment declined by 6.4%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise by 4.6 percentage points. This contrasted with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Manoora. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, were mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Manoora's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did 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's median income among taxpayers was $39,228 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $48,788 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Regional Qld, which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated median income in Manoora as of March 2026 would be approximately $43,684, with an average of $54,330. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Manoora fall between the 5th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 32.4% of locals (2,049 people) earn between $800 and $1,499 annually, contrasting with Regional Qld where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket is predominant at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe 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

In Manoora, as per the latest Census, 38.7% of dwellings were houses while 61.3% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Regional Queensland's figures which showed 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, significantly lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Manoora was recorded as $270, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Manoora's median monthly mortgage repayments were 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 Regional Queensland 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 disparity 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%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 10.9% and certificates for 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

Public transport analysis shows 20 active transport stops in Manoora, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by five individual routes, collectively offering 650 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 212 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 2% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 92 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 shows significant challenges for Manoora. AreaSearch's assessment found high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Mental health issues affected 9.3% of residents, while arthritis impacted 6.9%.

Only 47% of the total population had private health cover, compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%. Despite this, 69.1% of Manoora residents reported no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents showed above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,037 people), lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%.

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 was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 26.2% of its population born overseas and 23.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Manoora is Christianity, making up 49.7% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 1.6% of Manoora's population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Manoora are 'Other', at 23.4%, substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%, English, at 19.5%, notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%, and Australian, at 18.2%, also notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%. There are significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 12.1% of Manoora's population (vs 3.9% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.2%), and Maori at 0.8% (vs 0.8%).

Manoora's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Manoora's median age is 36, which is lower than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to the regional Queensland average, Manoora has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort at 17.8%, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 10.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 14.8% to 17.8%, and the 0 to 4 cohort has risen from 6.8% to 8.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 13.4% to 11.2%, and the 55 to 64 group has fallen from 11.9% to 10.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Manoora's age profile. The 25 to 34 cohort is expected to expand by 509 people (45%), growing from 1,125 to 1,635. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 5% (40 people).