Manunda

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Manunda as of May 2026 is around 5,469. This reflects an increase of 278 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,191 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,455 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,263 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 5.4% growth since census positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for the suburb of Manunda, with an expected growth of 1,460 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 26.4% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Manunda is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Manunda averaged approximately 4 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, around 24 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved in FY26 to date. The average expected construction cost value of these new properties is $528,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

There have been $13.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Manunda shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 75.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies, reflecting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends.

Manunda has approximately 520 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Manunda is expected to grow by 1,446 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Manunda has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 37 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones include Stan Williams Park Upgrades, 164 & 172 Hoare Street development, Pease Street Residential Development (10-30), Cairns Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre, and Mayers Street Apartments (4). 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 Manunda face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Manunda has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 10.8%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2,507 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.8% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is lower at 61.1% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. A low 10.6% of residents work from home, according to Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Accommodation & food has notably high concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.3% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.3%, with employment decreasing by 5.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.8 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Manunda. These projections estimate local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against Manunda's employment mix.

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

The median taxpayer income in Manunda is $40,412 and the average is $50,261 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is below the national average of $67,897. In Regional Qld, the median income is $53,146 and the average is $66,593. By March 2026, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $45,003 and the average will be around $55,971, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Manunda fall between the 5th and 19th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 29.5% of Manunda residents earn between $800 and $1,499 annually (1,613 individuals). This differs from surrounding regions where the predominant income band is $1,500 to $2,999 at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Manunda, with only 80% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.

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

Manunda's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 38.8% houses and 61.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manunda was at 21.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.9% and rented ones at 57.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Manunda was $259, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Manunda's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 51.6% of all households, including 15.0% couples with children, 18.8% couples without children, and 16.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 48.4%, with lone person households at 43.0% and group households making up 5.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Manunda faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 18.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (30.7%). Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Manunda has 22 active public transport stops, all for buses. These are served by five different routes that together offer 640 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as good, with residents typically living 252 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, primarily by car (86%), with 3% cycling. On average, there are 0.8 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 10.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, there are an average of 91 trips per day, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Manunda is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Manunda faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,576 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 8.9% of residents and arthritis affecting 7.5%, while 69.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 16.8% of residents aged 65 and over (918 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Manunda's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 30.4% born overseas and 23.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Manunda, comprising 47.7% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category made up 2.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three groups were English at 21.9%, Other at 20.9%, and Australian at 18.5%. These figures differed significantly from regional averages: English was lower than the region's 29.6%, Other was substantially higher than 6.9%, and Australian was notably lower than 26.5%. Additionally, certain ethnic groups were notably overrepresented in Manunda compared to regional averages: Australian Aboriginal at 8.7% vs 3.9%, Filipino at 2.5% vs 0.9%, and Korean at 0.7% vs 0.2%.

Manunda's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Manunda is 39 years, which is lower than Regional Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 15.5%, while the 5-14 age group is smaller at 9.9% compared to Regional Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.5% to 14.6% of the population. Conversely, the 65-74 age cohort has declined from 10.1% to 8.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Manunda's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 379 people (45%) from 847 to 1,227. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age cohort grows by a modest 4% (30 people).