Manunda

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

As of Nov 2025, Manunda's population is estimated at around 5,482, reflecting an increase of 291 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 5.6% increase from the previous census figure of 5,191 people. The recent resident population estimate of 5,478 by AreaSearch is based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,266 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Manunda's growth rate of 5.6% since census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.8%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth, contributing approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. 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) for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecasted for Manunda, with an expected growth of 1,594 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 29.0% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Manunda averaged around 4 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 23 homes were approved, with 1 more in FY-26 so far. The population has fallen during this period, suggesting new supply has kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $519,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In the current financial year, there have been $13.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Manunda shows substantially reduced construction (76.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, recent building activity has picked up. This is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving Manunda's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (39.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The location has approximately 546 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Looking ahead, Manunda is expected to grow by 1,590 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones include Stan Williams Park Upgrades, 164 & 172 Hoare Street and 10-30 Pease Street Residential Development, Cairns Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre, Barlow Park Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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. Its unemployment rate is 8.6%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 2,617 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 4.7% above Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Manunda is somewhat below standard at 54.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Notably, the area has a high concentration in accommodation & food with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1.3% of employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities as of the Census. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Manunda's labour force decreased by 1.5%, with employment decreasing by 4.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 2.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-2022 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Manunda's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though it is noted this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Manunda's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $40,412, with an average of $50,261 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth, current estimates for Manunda would be approximately $46,066 (median) and $57,293 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Manunda fall between the 5th and 19th percentiles nationally. In Manunda, 29.5% of individuals earn between $800 - $1,499, unlike the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Manunda, with only 80.0% of income remaining, 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 were 38.8% houses and 61.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manunda was 21.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.9% and rented ones at 57.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, significantly lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Manunda was $259, substantially below Non-Metro Qld's figure of $315 and the national average 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 make up the remaining 48.4%, with lone person households at 43.0% and group households comprising 5.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4 people.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (30.7%).

Educational participation is high at 30.6%, including primary education (9.2%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (4.2%). Six schools operate in Manunda, educating approximately 8,284 students. The area has varied educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 927. It includes two primary, three secondary, and one K-12 school. As an education hub, Manunda has 151.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 22.4, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Manunda shows that there are currently 22 operational transport stops. These stops facilitate a variety of bus routes, with a total of five individual routes serving the area. Together, these routes offer 640 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Manunda is considered good, with residents on average being located 252 meters away from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes averages 91 trips per day, which equates to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Manunda's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Manunda's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level. Private health cover is found to be very low at approximately 47% of the total population, which totals around 2,583 people.

This compares to 50.1% in the Rest of Queensland and 55.3% nationally. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 8.9% and 7.5% of residents respectively. Approximately 69.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.7% in the Rest of Queensland. Around 16.6% of residents are aged 65 and over, totaling approximately 910 people. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Manunda 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

Manunda's population showed significant cultural diversity, with 30.4% born overseas and 23.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.7%. The 'Other' religious category comprised 2.5%, higher than the Rest of Qld's 1.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (21.9%), Other (20.9%), and Australian (18.5%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was 8.7% in Manunda compared to 6.7% regionally, Filipino was 2.5% vs 1.8%, and Korean was 0.7% vs 0.4%.

Manunda's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Manunda is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 15.7%, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort represents 9.7%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.5% to 15.7% of Manunda's population. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has decreased from 10.1% to 8.7%. By 2041, significant demographic shifts are projected for Manunda. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 53%, adding 454 people and reaching a total of 1,315 from the current 860. In contrast, the 15-24 cohort is forecasted to grow minimally by just 7%, with an increase of 54 people.