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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of Moranbah is around 10,013, reflecting a 588 person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 6.2% rise from the previous figure of 9,425 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 9,973 following examination of ABS' ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in 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. 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 2022 as the base year. 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. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a growth just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with an expected increase of 612 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Moranbah granted around 8 residential property approvals each year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 44 homes. As of FY-26, no approvals have been recorded yet. This results in a demand significantly exceeding new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being built at an average value of $570,000, indicating developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $15.2 million, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of Qld, Moranbah has approximately half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 13th percentile nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing properties. 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, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 82.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1243 people, indicating a 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 buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence regional performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects potentially impacting the area. 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. The following list details those likely 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 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, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 6,543 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.0% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Moranbah was 85.5%, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 3.9% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents were mining, accommodation & food, and education & training. Moranbah had a particular employment 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 0.9 workers per resident indicated substantial local employment opportunities as at the Census. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.1% and labour force increased by 4.3%, resulting in a slight unemployment rise of 0.1 percentage points based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Moranbah. These projections estimated national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Moranbah's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.5% over ten years, though these were simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Moranbah's median taxpayer income was $88,563 and the average was $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 from financial year 2023 until September 2025 (an increase of 9.91%), estimated median income is approximately $97,340 and average income is around $114,107. According to the 2021 Census, Moranbah's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 97th and 98th percentiles. The predominant income bracket in Moranbah comprises 33.1% of locals (3,314 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to regional levels at 31.7%. Notably, 51.8% of residents earn more than $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 95.5% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. Moranbah'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

The dwelling structure in Moranbah, as per the latest Census evaluation, was 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moranbah was at 8.8%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (19.8%) or rented (71.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Moranbah was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Moranbah was recorded at $111, substantially lower than Non-Metro Qld's $345 and 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%. 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 are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Moranbah residents have shown relatively positive health outcomes according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and health conditions were broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions was quite low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 68% of Moranbah's total population (6,841 people) had private health cover, which is higher than the Rest of Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions were asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.6 and 6.8% of residents respectively. 78.8% of Moranbah residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 3.5% of residents aged 65 and over (350 people), which is lower than the Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 found to be below average, with 74.8% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.5% of Moranbah's population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.7% compared to 0.8% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (30.2%), English (28.7%), and Irish (7.3%) were the top represented groups. Notably, Maori (1.7%), New Zealand (1.1%), and Filipino (2.3%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.8%, 0.9%, and 0.9% respectively.

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

Moranbah's median age is 31 years, which is younger than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 22.6% of Moranbah's population, compared to Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort comprises 2.8%. This 25-34 concentration is higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 20.0% to 22.6%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 16.5% to 13.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that Moranbah's 25-34 age cohort will increase by 337 people (15%), growing from 2,262 to 2,600. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 5-14 cohorts.