Moranbah

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

By May 2026, AreaSearch estimates the population of Moranbah at around 9,947, indicating a growth of 522 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 9,425 in Moranbah. This increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 9,928, calculated by AreaSearch using latest ERP data released by ABS in June 2025, and an additional 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 3.3 persons per square kilometer. Moranbah's growth rate of 5.5% since the census is within 2.1 percentage points of the SA4 region's 7.6%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed around 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Moranbah.

AreaSearch uses 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, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data, for each age cohort. Looking ahead, population projections suggest Moranbah will increase by approximately 626 persons to reach the year 2041. This reflects an expected gain of around 6.1% in total over the 16-year period, which is just below the median growth rate for Australian non-metropolitan areas.

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 recorded around 8 residential properties granted approval each year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 44 homes. So far in FY26, 0 approvals have been recorded. An average of 12.8 new residents per year arrived per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being built at an average value of $570,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

There have been $15.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of Qld, Moranbah shows approximately half the construction activity per person and places among the 13th percentile nationally when measured against other areas assessed, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This level is also 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, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant departure 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 count of 1243 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Moranbah adding 607 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 15 such projects that could potentially impact this 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 projects likely to be 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 is 1.1% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 4.5%.

The area's workforce participation rate is 86.5%, higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. As of the Census, 3.9% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are mining, accommodation & food, and education & training. Moranbah specializes in mining with an employment share 11.8 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 4.2%, compared to 16.1% regionally. There is one worker for every resident, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.5% and labour force by 4.9%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moranbah's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 released for financial year 2023 shows Moranbah had a median taxpayer income of $88,563 and an average income of $103,819. Nationally, these figures rank among the top percentile. In Regional Qld, the median is $53,146 and the average is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Moranbah are approximately $98,624 (median) and $115,613 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Moranbah rank highly nationally, between the 97th and 98th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, with 33.1% of locals (3,292 people) falling into this category, similar to regional levels at 31.7%. A substantial presence of higher earners exceeding $3,000 weekly indicates strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 95.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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, 81.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.1% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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, lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Moranbah was $111, significantly below Regional Queensland's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Moranbah's mortgage repayments were notably lower at $1,300 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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 Regional 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 51.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 42.7%. Educational participation is high, with 42.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 19.6% in primary, 11.1% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of Moranbah's total population (6,796 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.6 and 6.8% of residents respectively, with 78.8% reporting no medical ailments, higher than the 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Moranbah has 3.7% of residents aged 65 and over (368 people), lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are 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, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (74.8%), born in Australia (85.4%) and speaking English at home (92.1%). Christianity was the major religion, practiced by 45.5% of Moranbah residents.

The 'Other' religious category comprised 0.7%, slightly higher than the Regional Queensland average of 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, Australian heritage dominated with 30.2%, followed by English (28.7%) and Irish (7.3%). Notable differences were observed in Maori (1.7% vs regional 0.8%), New Zealand (1.1% vs regional 0.9%), and Filipino (2.3% vs regional 0.9%) ancestry representation.

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

Moranbah's median age of 31 years is younger than Regional Queensland's 41 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 21.9% of Moranbah's population, higher than Regional Queensland but lower than the national average of 14.6%. The 65-74 cohort makes up 2.9%, less prevalent than other groups. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 20.0% to 21.9%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 16.5% to 14.6%. By 2041, Moranbah's 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 348 people (16%), reaching 2,527. Conversely, the 15-24 and 5-14 cohorts are forecasted to decline in population.