Manunda (Qld)

Detail

According to the analysis of ABS updates for the surrounding region combined with new address points verified by Districts since the Census, the population of Manunda is estimated to be approximately 5,469 in May 2026. This represents an expansion of 278 individuals (5.4%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 5,191 people. This shift is calculated from a resident headcount of 5,455, projected by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP release and 44 validated new addresses added post-Census. With these numbers, the local population density stands at 1,263 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio recorded across the country by Districts. The 5.4% growth rate in Manunda since the census trails the wider SA3 area (6.9%) by 1.5 percentage points, showing solid underlying expansion. Inward overseas migration was the primary engine of growth, accounting for roughly 72.0% of the population gains in recent times.

Detail

The local workforce is characterized by a solid representation of essential service workers, alongside an unemployment rate of 10.8%, based on Districts' compiled statistical area datasets. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,486, while the local jobless rate sat 6.9% higher than the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%, pointing to potential for labor market improvement, and participation rates lagged slightly behind at 60.5% compared to the state's regional average of 64.3%. Census data indicates that a low proportion of workers (10.6%) performed their jobs from home, although this should be viewed in light of pandemic-era restrictions.

Detail

Taxpayer statistics from the ATO at the postcode level, compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year, show that the suburb of Manunda has a median income of $40,412 and an average income of $50,261. This sits below the national benchmark, contrasting with a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 across Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, estimated figures as of March 2026 are approximately $45,003 for the median and $55,971 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Manunda fell between the 5th and 19th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $800 - 1,499 represents 29.5% of the local population (1,613 residents), differing from the wider region where the - range is most common at . Housing costs place a heavy burden on residents, leaving only of income remaining after housing costs, which sits in the th percentile.

Detail

The housing profile in Manunda at the latest Census consisted of 38.8% detached houses and 61.2% alternative structures (including townhouses, apartments, and other dwellings), compared to Regional Qld where detached houses comprised 76.4% and other options made up 23.6%. Home ownership rates in Manunda lagged behind the regional average, standing at 21.1%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (21.9%) or occupied by tenants (57.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 was lower than the Regional Qld average, while the median weekly rent was $259, compared to regional figures of $1,655 and $345. On a national level, Manunda's mortgage costs are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also lower than the national benchmark of $375.

Detail

Families make up 51.6% of households, consisting of 15.0% couples raising children, 18.8% couples without children, and 16.0% single parents. Non-family households represent the remaining 48.4%, with single-person households making up 43.0% and group housing accounting for 5.3%. The median household size of 2.1 persons is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Detail

Educational statistics show lower levels of tertiary attainment in the area, with university graduation rates at 18.2%, below the Australian benchmark of 30.4%. This gap represents a key area for targeted educational strategies. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Technical and vocational training is common, with 41.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (30.7%).

Detail

Public transport infrastructure in Manunda consists of 22 active bus stops. These stops are served by 5 distinct routes, which accommodate 640 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 252 meters from the nearest stop. Because the suburb is primarily residential, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars remaining the dominant mode of travel at 86%, while 3% of residents commute by bicycle. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 cars per household, which is below the regional average. A relatively low proportion of residents (10.6%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the impact of pandemic restrictions.

Detail

Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease indicators shows that Manunda faces notable health difficulties, with chronic conditions common across younger and older demographics alike, and private health insurance rates are very low at roughly 47% of the population (~2,576 people). This compares to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

Detail

Manunda exhibits higher cultural diversity than the vast majority of analyzed markets, with 30.4% of the population born outside Australia and 23.3% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, accounting for 47.7% of residents. The most pronounced religious divergence is in the Other category, which comprises 2.5% of the local population compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

Detail

The median age of residents in Manunda is 39 years, slightly lower than the Regional Qld average of 41 years but close to the national median of 38 years. The local demographic profile shows a high concentration of 25 - 34 year-olds (15.5%), while the 5 - 14 age group is smaller (9.9%) than typically seen in Regional Qld. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 13.5% to 14.6% of the population, whereas the 65 to 74 cohort has fallen from 10.1% to 8.7%. Projections to 2041 point to shifts in the local age structure, with the 25 to 34 age bracket expected to grow by 379 people () from to while the to cohort is projected to grow by people ().

Detail

Manunda currently has an estimated 311 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 185 children aged 0-2 and 124 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 7% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 45% by 2041 (to approximately 450 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 429. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.