Moorooka
A 50.4% university qualification rate, 20.3 percentage points above the national average, makes Moorooka one of the most credentialed suburbs in Brisbane's inner south, yet its IRSAD decile 7 position falls well short of where this education level typically lands (decile 9-10). The gap is explained by the IER decile 4 (below-median economic resources), meaning residents have strong credentials but middling incomes, the signature of a young-professional suburb where career trajectories haven't peaked. Professionals (2,090) account for more than a third of all workers. The median age of 36 sits 4 years below the national figure. Overseas migration adds 155 net arrivals per year, while internal outflow is a modest -36, producing steady 0.93% annual growth.
Population
10,783
Median Age
36.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,864/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
34
Median House
$496K
Estimated from rent (2025)
Detached houses account for 60.6% of stock, with apartments at 23.8% and semi-detached at 15.5%, giving buyers a broader dwelling-type mix than most Brisbane suburbs. Three-bedroom homes make up 41.5% of stock, two-bedroom 29.3%, and studio/one-bedroom 8.6%. Monthly mortgage of $2,000 on household income of $1,864/week produces a mortgage-to-income ratio of 24.8%, comfortably below the stress threshold. The affordability trend has improved from 46.9% in 2011 to 37.0% in 2021, one of the steeper drops in this analysis. Two schools serve the suburb: Moorooka State School (ICSEA 1,088, 558 students) performs well above the benchmark, and St Brendan's Primary (1,001, 76 students) sits at the national average. Both are primary schools.
For Buyers
Detached houses account for 60.6% of stock, with apartments at 23.8% and semi-detached at 15.5%, giving buyers a broader dwelling-type mix than most Brisbane suburbs. Three-bedroom homes make up 41.5% of stock, two-bedroom 29.3%, and studio/one-bedroom 8.6%. Monthly mortgage of $2,000 on household income of $1,864/week produces a mortgage-to-income ratio of 24.8%, comfortably below the stress threshold. The affordability trend has improved from 46.9% in 2011 to 37.0% in 2021, one of the steeper drops in this analysis. Two schools serve the suburb: Moorooka State School (ICSEA 1,088, 558 students) performs well above the benchmark, and St Brendan's Primary (1,001, 76 students) sits at the national average. Both are primary schools.
For Investors
Renters make up 41.6% of households, above the national average, providing a solid tenant pool drawn by proximity to Brisbane CBD (approximately 7km). Median weekly rent of $360 with a 6.9% vacancy rate suggests softer demand than inner Brisbane but consistent occupancy. With 27 development applications in 12 months, including dwelling extensions and referral agency responses, the market is seeing moderate renovation activity rather than large-scale supply additions. Rent growth of 16.1% over the decade is below the Brisbane average. Overseas migration of 155 net per year sustains tenant demand. The gentrification score of 5 (Not gentrifying) with real income growth of 19.8% over the decade suggests demographic upgrading is gradual.
Development Activity
Total DAs
154
Last 12 Months
34
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
-10.5%
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Schools in Moorooka iICSEA: school advantage index. 1000 = national avg, higher = more advantaged
Moorooka State School
Prep-6 · 558 students
St Brendan's Primary School
Prep-6 · 76 students
Demographics
English ancestry dominates at 3,954, with Irish (1,618), Scottish (1,358), and German (668) reflecting a predominantly Anglo-Celtic heritage. Non-English languages are fragmented: Arabic (47 speakers), Punjabi (47), Greek (35), Persian (34), and Cantonese (32) with no single dominant language. The 26.1% overseas-born share is 4.5 points above the national average. The 50.4% university qualification rate is 20.3 points above the national baseline, consistent with IEO decile 8. Professionals (2,090) vastly outnumber any other occupation. Christianity (4,369), Islam (263), and Buddhism (197) are the top religions. Couples without children make up 28.3% of households, the highest in this analysis, contributing to the suburb's young-professional character.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
60.6%
Houses
15.5%
Townhouse
23.8%
Apartment
Tenure
The tenure split shows 22.5% outright owners, 35.9% mortgage holders, and 41.6% renters, with a renter share above the national average. Detached houses at 60.6%, apartments at 23.8%, and semi-detached at 15.5% create a diverse stock. Two-bedroom homes make up 29.3% and three-bedroom 41.5%, with studio/one-bedroom at 8.6%, indicating a dwelling mix shaped for smaller households. The average household size of 2.3 is below the national average, consistent with the 28.3% couples-without-children share. Monthly mortgage of $2,000 on household income of $1,864/week gives a 24.8% mortgage-to-income ratio. Rent-to-income at 19.3% is well below stress levels, reflecting adequate income relative to the rental market.
Mortgage / mo
$2,000
Rent / wk
$360
HH Size
2.3
Personal Income / wk
$973
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
6.9%
Unoccupied
328
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
19.3%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
24.8%
Community Profile
Languages Spoken at Home
Ancestry
Household Composition
28.3%
Couples, no children
7,871
Total families
Economy & Employment
Healthcare leads at 19.8% (902 workers), followed by Education at 14.7% (671), Professional/Technical at 12.3% (562), Public Administration at 10.0% (457), and Construction at 6.5% (294). The knowledge-sector trio of healthcare, education, and professional services accounts for 46.8% of employment, higher than the national average. Professionals (2,090) dominate occupations by a wide margin, with Managers (744) and Clerical/Administrative (737) distant seconds. The 5.2% unemployment rate matches the national average, and the 64.6% participation rate is above average. The SEIFA IEO-IER gap (decile 8 vs decile 4) confirms that educational attainment significantly exceeds economic resources, typical of early-career professional suburbs.
Unemployment
4.4%
Labour Force
7,393
Unemployed
323
Quarterly Trend
Source: SALM Dec-25
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
65.9%
Part-time
28.9%
Participation
64.6%
Employed
5,462
Occupations
Top Industries
University
50.4%
Postgraduate
14.1%
Born Overseas
26.1%
Dwellings
4,438
Transport to Work
Public transport usage at 11.0% is the highest in this analysis, with car dependence at 78.3% and walking/cycling at 4.8%. Moorooka station on the Beenleigh/Gold Coast line provides Brisbane CBD access. Two primary schools serve the suburb: Moorooka State School (ICSEA 1,088, 558 students) performs well above the national benchmark, and St Brendan's Primary (1,001, 76 students) sits at the benchmark. IRSAD decile 7 and IRSD decile 7 place Moorooka above the national median for advantage. The 4.7% needing-assistance rate sits below the national average, and the 5.2% unemployment rate matches the national figure. The volunteering rate of 17.9% is above average, indicating stronger civic engagement than most comparable suburbs.
Drive
78.3%
Public Transport
11.0%
Walk / Cycle
4.8%
Work from Home
N/A
Population Forecast
+0.93%/yr
(+111 people/yr)
EstablishedPopulation is growing at 0.93% per year, adding about 111 persons annually. Overseas migration of 155 net per year is the primary driver, with internal outflow at a mild -36 per year. Historical data shows population climbing from 11,372 in 2023 to 11,885 in 2025. Medium projections forecast approximately 12,389 by 2031. The 10-year population change of 8.4% is moderate. The demographic trajectory is Stable: young, working-age, and senior shares have barely shifted. Real income grew 19.8% over the decade, above the national average, suggesting economic upgrading without the physical transformation typically associated with gentrification (score 5, Not gentrifying). Affordability improved from 46.9% to 37.0%.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Overseas Migration
Net Overseas / yr
+155
Net Internal / yr
-36
Gentrification Signal
Not gentrifying
Population +14% since 2011
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Moorooka compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moorooka a good suburb to live in?
Moorooka ranks IRSAD decile 7 with 50.4% of adults holding university degrees, 20.3 points above the national average. Public transport usage at 11.0% is the highest in this analysis, with train access to Brisbane CBD. Moorooka State School scores ICSEA 1,088. Mortgage-to-income ratio is a comfortable 24.8%. The 41.6% renter share gives a transient feel in parts.
What is the median house price in Moorooka?
No median house price data is available for Moorooka. Monthly mortgage repayments average $2,000 and weekly rent sits at $360. The mortgage-to-income ratio of 24.8% is below stress levels. Affordability improved from 46.9% in 2011 to 37.0% in 2021, one of the steeper improvements in this analysis, driven by real income growth of 19.8% over the decade.
What schools are in Moorooka?
Moorooka has 2 primary schools. Moorooka State School (ICSEA 1,088, 558 students, government) performs 88 points above the national benchmark. St Brendan's Primary School (1,001, 76 students, Catholic) sits at the benchmark. The IEO decile 8 reading confirms that adult education attainment is in the top 20% nationally.
Is Moorooka safe?
Specific crime data is not available for Moorooka. The IRSD decile 7 and IRSAD decile 7 place it above the national median for advantage. The 5.2% unemployment rate matches the national average, and the 4.7% needing-assistance rate sits below it. These indicators suggest a safety profile consistent with above-average Brisbane suburbs.
Is Moorooka good for property investment?
Moorooka's 41.6% renter share provides good tenant depth, driven by young professionals near Brisbane CBD. Rent at $360/week with a 6.9% vacancy rate is moderate. The 27 DAs in 12 months show renovation activity. Overseas migration (155/yr) sustains demand. Real income grew 19.8% over the decade, above average. IRSAD decile 7 supports moderate capital growth expectations.
How is Moorooka's population changing?
Population grows at 0.93% per year, adding 111 persons annually, driven by overseas migration (155 net/yr) with minimal internal outflow (-36/yr). The demographic trajectory is Stable with age cohort shares barely shifting. Real income grew 19.8% over the decade, suggesting gradual economic upgrading. Projections forecast roughly 12,389 by 2031.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.
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