Moranbah

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Moranbah is around 10,017. This reflects an increase of 592 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,425. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population being 9,973 as of June 2024, based on ABS ERP data and validated new addresses. This results in a density ratio of 3.3 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Moranbah has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%, outpacing its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 from 2023 are used, based on 2021 data. Age category splits are applied proportionally using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a median increase for non-metropolitan areas, with Moranbah expected to gain 612 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 5.7% 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 has 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. On average, 12.8 new residents arrive per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply.

New homes are being built at an average value of $570,000. In this financial year, $15.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Moranbah shows approximately half the construction activity per person and places among the 13th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice. This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and 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 568 residents by 2041, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth if current development rates continue.

Moranbah has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to affect the area. Notable projects include Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct, Moranbah Mixed Use Development, Moranbah North Waste Coal Mine Gas Power Project Expansion, and Moranbah Affordable Housing Project. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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. The unemployment rate was 0.7% as of June 2025, lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was 68.1%, higher than the regional average of 59.1%. Key employment industries include mining, accommodation and food services, and education and training. Moranbah specializes in mining, with an employment share 11.8 times the regional level. However, health care and social assistance has limited presence at 4.2% compared to the regional average of 16.1%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.9 as of the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.3%, while labour force decreased by 0.2%, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows 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 Rest of Qld's levels of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income for Moranbah as of September 2025 is approximately $100,953, with the average being $118,343. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Moranbah rank highly nationally, between the 97th and 98th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort spans 33.1% of locals (3,315 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning with regional levels at 31.7%. A substantial presence of higher earners is indicated, with 51.8% exceeding $3,000 weekly, reflecting strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 95.5% of income, demonstrating 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

Moranbah's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 86.1% houses and 13.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moranbah stood at 8.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.8% and rented ones at 71.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $111, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $200. Nationally, Moranbah's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 comprise the remaining 24.5%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households making up 3.1%. 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 stands at 18.0%, 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 (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 at 8.7% and certificates at 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. Moranbah's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,939 students as of the latest data (ICSEA: 958), indicating balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (19.4 places per 100 residents vs 14.0 regionally), suggesting the area serves as an educational center for the broader region, as of the most recent statistics available.

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 a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (6,844 people), compared to 60.4% in Rest of Qld and 55.3% nationally. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.6 and 6.8% of residents respectively.

78.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.7% in Rest of Qld. Moranbah has a lower percentage of residents aged 65 and over at 3.4% (340 people), compared to 12.6% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's health profile.

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

Moranbah's cultural diversity was below average, with 74.8% being Australian citizens, 85.4% born in Australia, and 92.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.5%. The 'Other' religious category had a higher representation in Moranbah at 0.7%, compared to 0.4% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australians were the largest group at 30.2%, followed by English at 28.7% and Irish at 7.3%. Notable differences existed for Maori (1.7% vs regional 1.0%), New Zealand (1.1% vs regional 0.8%), and Filipino (2.3% vs regional 1.6%) groups.

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

Moranbah's median age in 2021 was 31 years, considerably younger than Rest of Qld's 41 and Australia's 38. The 25-34 age group constituted 22.1% of Moranbah's population compared to Rest of Qld's unspecified percentage, while the 65-74 cohort made up 2.7%. Nationally, this age group accounted for 14.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 20.0% to 22.1%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 16.5% to 14.7%. By 2041, Moranbah's 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 386 people (17%), reaching 2,600 from a 2021 base of 2,213. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 15-24 and 5-14 cohorts.