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, as of Nov 2025, Manunda's estimated population is around 5,489. This reflects an increase of 298 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,191. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,479 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with validation of three new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,267 persons per square kilometer. Manunda's growth rate of 5.7% since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.0%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 72.0%.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, the Manunda (SA2) is forecast to grow by 1,594 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 28.8% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Manunda averaged approximately 4 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21-FY25, around 24 homes were approved, with one more in FY26 so far. This has likely kept pace with demand despite population decline, offering good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost for these properties is $528,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY26, there have been $13.3 million in commercial approvals, showing moderate commercial development levels. Compared to Rest of Qld, Manunda has significantly lower construction activity (75.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though recent periods show increased development activity. The area's detached house focus persists, with developers constructing more than the Census pattern implies (39.0%), reflecting strong family home demand amid densification trends.

Manunda has approximately 520 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. By 2041, it is estimated to grow by 1,583 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and price growth.

Manunda 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 36 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Stan Williams Park Upgrades, 164 & 172 Hoare Street developments, and 10-30 Pease Street Residential Development. Additionally, Cairns Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre and Raintrees Shopping Centre Redevelopment are key projects. 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. The unemployment rate is 10.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,528 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.4% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands 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, accommodation & food has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 1.3% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.8, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.9%, while employment fell by 5.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 3.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Manunda's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Manunda suburb is $40,412, with an average of $50,261, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national averages of $53,146 median and $66,593 average in Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $44,417 median and $55,242 average, considering a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Manunda fall between the 5th and 19th percentiles nationally. In Manunda, 29.5% of individuals earn within the $800 - $1,499 band, differing from 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 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 38.8% houses and 61.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manunda was at 21.1%, with the rest either mortgaged (21.9%) or rented (57.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Manunda was recorded at $259, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. Nationally, Manunda's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 constitute the remaining 48.4%, with lone person households at 43.0% and group households comprising 5.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – 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.

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

Transport analysis in Manunda shows 22 operational transport stops, all of which are bus routes. These stops are covered by five different routes, offering a total of 640 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport is deemed good, with residents on average located 252 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 91 trips per day across all routes, which translates 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

Mundanda's health metrics closely match national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. Private health cover is very low, with approximately 47% of the total population (~2586 people) having it, compared to 50.9% in the rest of Queensland and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (8.9%) and arthritis (7.5%). About 69.9% of residents declare they have no medical ailments, compared to 71.7% in the rest of Queensland. Around 16.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (911 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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 was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 30.4% of its population born overseas and 23.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Manunda, making up 47.7% of people there. However, the most notable overrepresentation was found in the 'Other' category, comprising 2.5% of Manunda's population compared to 1.5% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups in Manunda are English (21.9%), Other (20.9%), and Australian (18.5%). Notably, certain ethnic groups have higher representations than regional averages: Australian Aboriginal at 8.7% (vs 6.7%), Filipino at 2.5% (vs 1.8%), and Korean at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

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

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's figure, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 9.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, 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 changes are predicted for Manunda. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 53%, adding 453 people and reaching a total of 1,315 from its current figure of 861. In contrast, the 15-24 cohort is projected to grow minimally by just 7%, with an increase of 53 people.