Moranbah

An assessment of population growth drivers in Moranbah 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, Moranbah's population is estimated at around 10,013 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 588 people (6.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,425 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,973 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3.3 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Moranbah has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.9% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 65.0% 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected. The Moranbah SA2 is expected to increase by 612 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 5.7% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Moranbah according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Moranbah recorded around 8 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 44 homes. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, there was an average of 12.8 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed.

Demand significantly exceeded new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes were being built at an average value of $570,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, there have been $15.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Moranbah shows approximately half the construction activity per person and places among the 13th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This level is also below average nationally, suggesting possible planning constraints. New development consists of 20.0% standalone homes and 80.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 82.0% houses).

The estimated count of 1243 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Moranbah adding 572 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Moranbah has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Area's performance significantly influenced by local infrastructure changes. Total 14 projects identified by AreaSearch as impactful. Key projects include Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct, Moranbah Mixed Use Development, Moranbah North Waste Coal Mine Gas Power Project Expansion, and Moranbah Affordable Housing Project. Below list details most relevant ones.

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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 Moranbah rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Moranbah has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.1% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.1%. As of that date, 6,543 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Moranbah was 68.1%, higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include mining, accommodation & food, and education & training.

Moranbah has a particular specialization in mining, with an employment share 11.8 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance had limited presence, with 4.2% employment compared to 16.1% regionally. The ratio of workers to residents was 0.9 at the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.1%, labour force grew by 4.3%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Moranbah's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.5% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Moranbah had a median income among taxpayers of $88,563 and an average income of $103,819. These figures place Moranbah in the top percentile nationally, compared to $53,146 and $66,593 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $97,340 (median) and $114,107 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Moranbah rank highly nationally, between the 97th and 98th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 33.1% of locals (3,314 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 31.7%. A substantial presence of higher earners is noted, with 51.8% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 95.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Moranbah is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Moranbah, as per the latest Census evaluation, 81.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is compared to Non-Metro Queensland's figures of 86.1% houses and 13.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moranbah stood at 8.8%, with mortgaged properties at 19.8% and rented dwellings at 71.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with the Non-Metro Queensland average, while the median weekly rent was $111, compared to Non-Metro Queensland's averages of $200 for rent and $1,300 for mortgages. Nationally, Moranbah's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Moranbah has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.5% of all households, including 42.4% couples with children, 22.2% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.5%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Moranbah fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 51.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (42.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 42.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 19.6% in primary education, 11.1% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Moranbah's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Moranbah shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% (6,841 people), compared to 60.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.6%) and mental health issues (6.8%).

A total of 78.8% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the 72.7% in Rest of Qld. Moranbah has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 3.4% (340 people), compared to 12.6% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors align with those of the general population.

Moranbah ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Moranbah had a cultural diversity level below average, with 74.8% citizens, 85.4% born in Australia, and 92.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.5%. The 'Other' category showed overrepresentation at 0.7%, compared to 0.4% regionally.

In ancestry, Australian parents comprised 30.2%, English 28.7%, and Irish 7.3%. Notable divergences included Maori at 1.7% (vs regional 1.0%), New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 0.8%), and Filipino at 2.3% (vs 1.6%).

Moranbah hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Moranbah's median age of 31 years is younger than Rest of Qld's 41 years and considerably younger than the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 22.1% of Moranbah's population, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 65-74 cohort constitutes only 2.7%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of Moranbah's population in the 25-34 age group has increased from 20.0% to 22.1%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 16.5% to 14.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes for Moranbah, with the 25-34 age group projected to increase by 387 people (17%), from 2,212 to 2,600. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 5-14 cohorts.