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 validation, the suburb of Moorooka's estimated population is 11,994 as of May 2026. This shows an increase of 1,211 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,783. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 11,992 in June 2025 and 24 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,911 persons per square kilometer, placing Moorooka in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The suburb's growth rate of 11.2% since the 2021 Census exceeded the national average of 9.3%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving Moorooka's primary population growth.

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 are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, Moorooka is expected to increase by 536 persons to reach a population of 12,530 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 4.5% over the 16-year period, based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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 of ABS building approval numbers shows Moorooka had approximately 17 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, around 89 homes were approved, with another 7 in FY26 so far. This results in an average of 5.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years.

The demand significantly exceeds supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $556,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $22.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Moorooka shows reduced construction (64.0% below regional average per person), supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. Construction 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, offering a mix of medium-density options across price brackets. Moorooka reflects a highly mature market with around 704 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Moorooka will gain 534 residents by 2041, with construction maintaining pace to meet projected growth, although 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 has identified 25 projects potentially affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Cross River Rail - Moorooka Station Rebuild, Yeerongpilly Green Tower (25-storeys), European Train Control System (ETCS), and Moorooka Central Shopping Centre Extension. 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 performance in Moorooka has been broadly consistent with national averages

Moorooka has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 4.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation). As of December 2025, there are 7,131 residents employed with an unemployment rate at 4.3%, 0.2% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is 74.6%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 22.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Moorooka has a particular specialization in education & training with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while construction employs only 6.8% of local workers compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%.

Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, labour force by 2.6%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2% and a fall in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Moorooka's employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Moorooka's employment mix.

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 ending June 2023 shows median income in Moorooka suburb is $61,717. Average income stands at $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 rate of 11.36% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $68,728 and average income is $90,041 by March 2026. According to Census 2021 data, personal income ranks at the 76th percentile with weekly earnings of $973. Household income sits at the 57th percentile. Income distribution shows 32.8% of residents (3,934 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to surrounding regions at 33.3%. Housing costs consume 16.9% of income. Despite high housing costs, disposable income ranks at the 56th percentile. Moorooka'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

The dwelling structure in Moorooka, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.6% houses and 39.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moorooka was at 22.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.0% and rented ones at 41.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure 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 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 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% of the total. 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

Educational attainment in Moorooka is notably high, with 43.4% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.5% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 17.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.9% in primary, 8.6% in tertiary, 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, collectively facilitating 3,934 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 150 meters from the nearest stop. As a mainly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the primary 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, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 562 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per 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's health indicators show below-average outcomes, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are slightly higher than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (7,105 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 10.7% of residents and asthma affecting 7.9%. A total of 69.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 11.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,415 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. National rankings for health outcomes 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's population shows higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.1% born overseas and 18.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Moorooka, accounting for 43.1%. Islam is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 2.6% of Moorooka's population versus 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.3%), Australian (21.9%), and Other (11.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: French at 0.7% in Moorooka compared to 0.5% regionally, Irish at 10.4% versus 8.2%, and Serbian at 0.4% versus 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 the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 18.3%, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 age cohort is less prevalent in Moorooka at 6.0%. From 2021 to present, the 55-64 age group has increased from 10.2% to 11.0% of the population, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 13.9% to 13.1%. By 2041, forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Moorooka. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 264 people (17%), from 1,571 to 1,836. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting Moorooka's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.