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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Moorooka's population is estimated at around 11,790 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,007 people (9.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,783 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,772, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,861 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Moorooka's 9.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (9.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 51.0% 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. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the suburb of Moorooka expected to increase by 617 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.1% in total 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Moorooka has experienced around 17 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 89 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved so far in FY-26. This analysis also indicates that on average, 5.8 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed over these years.

Given the demand significantly exceeds new supply, this typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. The construction value of new properties averages $556,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $22.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity in Moorooka. When compared to Greater Brisbane, Moorooka shows substantially reduced construction, at 64.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties.

This activity is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets. With around 705 people per dwelling approval, Moorooka reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Moorooka will gain 606 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 26 projects potentially affecting this region. Notable ones include Cross River Rail - Moorooka Station Upgrade, Yeerongpilly Green Tower (25-storeys), European Train Control System (ETCS), and Beaudesert Road Shopping Centre Extensions. 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.

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

Moorooka has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.5% as of the past year, showing relative employment stability. As of September 2025, 6970 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, 0.5% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is 75.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses in September 2025, 22.8% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training employs 1.3 times the regional level, while construction employs just 6.8%, below Greater Brisbane's 9.0%.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.2% and labour force by 0.7%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment falling 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moorooka's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 indicates that Moorooka suburb has one of the highest incomes in Australia. The median income is $61,717 and the average income stands at $80,856. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's figures show a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $67,833 (median) and $88,869 (average). Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 76th percentile ($973 weekly), while household income sits at the 57th percentile. Distribution data reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 32.8% of residents (3,867 people). This is similar to the surrounding region where this cohort also represents 33.3%. High housing costs consume 16.9% of income, leaving 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.6% houses and 39.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% 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, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Moorooka was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Moorooka's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 43.4% have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. University graduates make up the largest group at 28.0%, followed by postgraduate degree holders (10.9%) and those with graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 27.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 10.2% and certificates make up 17.3%. Educational participation is 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 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3,934 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 150 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 77%, followed by bus at 9% and train at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 562 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Moorooka are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Moorooka shows below-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average for both younger and older age groups.

Mental health issues affect 10.7% of residents, while asthma impacts 7.9%. Approximately 59% of Moorooka's population (6,984 people) has private health cover, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. About 69.9% of Moorooka residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among working-age populations are typical. The area has 12.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,450 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. National rankings for health indicators in Moorooka are broadly in line with the general population.

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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.1% of its population born overseas and 18.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Moorooka, comprising 43.1% of the population. Islam, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 2.6% versus 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.3%), Australian (21.9%), and Other (11.3%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: French was at 0.7% in Moorooka compared to 0.5% regionally, Irish at 10.4% versus 8.2%, and Serbian at 0.4% compared to 0.2%.

Moorooka's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Moorooka's median age is 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 17.4%, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage. The 65-74 age group makes up 6.1%, lower than the national average. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.5% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 18.7% to 17.4%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic shifts in Moorooka. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 265 people (17%), reaching 1,845 from an initial 1,579. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 52% of total population growth, indicating Moorooka's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.