Moorooka

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch analysis, as of November 2025, Moorooka's estimated population is around 11,788. This reflects an increase of 1,005 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,783. The change is inferred from AreaSearch estimates based on latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses. This results in a density ratio of 2,861 persons per square kilometer, placing Moorooka in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Moorooka's growth rate of 9.3% since the 2021 Census exceeds the SA3 area's growth rate of 9.0%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of statistical areas nationally by 2041, with Moorooka expected to increase by 618 persons reflecting a total increase of 5.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Moorooka recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis shows Moorooka had around 17 dwelling approvals annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 89 homes were approved, with another 6 in FY-26. This results in about 5.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The demand significantly exceeds supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers target the premium market segment, constructing properties at an average value of $556,000. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $22.0 million, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Moorooka has 64.0% less construction per person, supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. This is also below the national average, suggesting an established market with potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of medium-density options across price brackets. Moorooka has around 705 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 607 residents by 2041. Construction maintains a reasonable pace with projected growth, but buyers may face growing competition as population increases.

Moorooka 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 identified 26 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Cross River Rail - Moorooka Station Upgrade, 25-storey Yeerongpilly Green Tower, European Train Control System (ETCS), and Beaudesert Road Shopping Centre Extensions. Relevant projects are listed below.

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.

Moorooka has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Moorooka has a highly educated workforce, with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 4.5%.

Employment stability over the past year is relative. As of September 2025, 6,971 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 0.5% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 70.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Education & training has a significant share of employment, at 1.3 times the regional level. Construction employs only 6.8% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.2%, labour force by 0.7%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.8% and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moorooka's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.0% in five years and 14.3% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Moorooka suburb has high incomes. The median income is $61,717 and the average is $80,856. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $67,833 (median) and $88,869 (average). Census 2021 income data reveals that personal income ranks at the 76th percentile ($973 weekly), while household income is at the 57th percentile. Distribution shows that 32.8% of residents (3,866 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the surrounding region at 33.3%. Housing costs consume 16.9% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 56th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Moorooka displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Moorooka's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 60.6% houses and 39.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 77.8% houses and 22.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moorooka stood at 22.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.0% and rented ones at 41.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Brisbane metro's $2,100. Median weekly rent in Moorooka was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $388. Nationally, Moorooka's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 62.0% of all households, including 26.4% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households comprising 7.7%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Moorooka exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Moorooka's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 43.4% have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationwide. This high level of educational attainment positions Moorooka favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 28.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 10.2%, while certificates make up 17.3%. Educational participation is notably high in Moorooka, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 8.6% in tertiary education, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Moorooka has 79 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 30 different routes that together facilitate 3,934 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered excellent, with residents typically residing within 150 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes stands at 562 trips per day, equating to roughly 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Moorooka's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Moorooka residents have relatively positive health outcomes. The prevalence of common health conditions among them is quite low compared to the general population, but higher than the national average for older and at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 59% of Moorooka's total population (6,983 people) has private health cover, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's 57.2%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Moorooka, affecting 10.7 and 7.9% of residents respectively. About 69.9% of Moorooka residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.3% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,414 people), which is lower than the 13.5% in Greater Brisbane.

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

Moorooka's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.1% born overseas and 18.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Moorooka, comprising 43.1% of its population. Islam's representation stood at 2.6%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 2.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.3%), Australian (21.9%), and Other (11.3%). Notably, French (0.7%) and Irish (10.4%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% and 9.2%, respectively.

Moorooka's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Moorooka's median age is 36 years, which matches Greater Brisbane's but is younger than the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 18.1% of Moorooka's population, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 age group comprises 6.1%, which is lower compared to other areas. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.5% to 4.4%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.9% to 13.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Moorooka. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 288 people (19%) from 1,556 to 1,845. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting Moorooka's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.