Area profile · Greater Sydney
Manly - Fairlight has an estimated 24,637 residents, up 9.8% since the 2021 Census, with 20 projects tracked in Manly - Fairlight.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Manly - Fairlight Statistical Area (Lv2) is located 10.2 kilometres northeast from Sydney CBD. AreaSearch estimates its population at approximately 24,637 as of Aug 2026, compared with 22,438 people at the 2021 Census, an increase of 2,199 people (9.8%). This estimate draws on the ABS Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of 24,569 as of June 2025 and 146 validated new addresses since the Census date. The area combines a strong apartment presence and above-average renting with high educational attainment, standout school performance levels and a notable Professional and Technical employment base.
Residents include a high proportion of young adults, many in group households, and the community is very well educated and among the country's most affluent. The area's population growth indicates moderate expansion. Set in a coastal landscape, Manly - Fairlight features beaches suited to swimming, surfing and other water sports, family-friendly parks, coastal walks and heritage sites.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Manly - Fairlight Statistical Area (Lv2) is located 10.2 kilometres northeast from Sydney CBD. AreaSearch estimates its population at approximately 24,637 as of Aug 2026, compared with 22,438 people at the 2021 Census, an increase of 2,199 people (9.8%). This estimate draws on the ABS Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of 24,569 as of June 2025 and 146 validated new addresses since the Census date. The area combines a strong apartment presence and above-average renting with high educational attainment, standout school performance levels and a notable Professional and Technical employment base.
Residents include a high proportion of young adults, many in group households, and the community is very well educated and among the country's most affluent. The area's population growth indicates moderate expansion. Set in a coastal landscape, Manly - Fairlight features beaches suited to swimming, surfing and other water sports, family-friendly parks, coastal walks and heritage sites.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 19,983 in 2001 and 24,569 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 24,637 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 25 to 34, 21.7%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $4000+, 40.8%.
Manly - Fairlight ranks in the 97th percentile nationally for transport & access and the 96th for income.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Manly - Fairlight is $1,054 a week, up 7.4% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 34% above Greater Sydney. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 2.5%.
34% above Greater Sydney on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $1,230 in 2017, $1,529 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $722 in 2017, $1,007 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/1 Denison Street, Manly NSW 2095 | $2,475,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 503/1 Raglan Street, Manly NSW 2095 | $1,102,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 6/24 The Crescent, Manly NSW 2095 | $1,560,000 | 23 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 2/34 Pacific Street, Manly NSW 2095 | $1,661,000 | 22 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 23/140 Addison Road, Manly NSW 2095 | $3,370,000 | 21 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 5/8 Victoria Parade, Manly NSW 2095 | $1,100,000 | 21 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 32/20 Bonner Avenue, Manly NSW 2095 | $5,250,000 | 18 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 7/6 Laurence Street, Manly NSW 2095 | $2,800,000 | 18 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 16/1 Addison Road, Manly NSW 2095 | $1,655,000 | 18 Sep 2026 | Unit |
| 31 Golf Parade, Manly NSW 2095 | $3,915,000 | 17 Sep 2026 | Street address |
The 10 most recent of the 50 residential sales recorded since 7 Aug 2026 (the latest settled 30 Sep 2026), newest first. The median of these 50, houses and units together, was $2,387,500 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to September 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,054 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +7.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 2.5% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $4.35m | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $1.96m | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $2,387,500 | Median of the 50 most recent residential sales, settled 7 Aug 2026 to 30 Sep 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $1,529 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $1,007 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +7.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 1.8% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Gross rental yield, units | 2.7% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Manly | $1,073 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Manly, over 12 months | +6.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Sydney - Northern Beaches | $960 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Sydney - Northern Beaches, over 12 months | +6.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Greater Sydney | $789 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Sydney, over 12 months | +5.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, NSW | $715 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 337 tracked applications: 128 approved, 79 under assessment, 130 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
Add retailers, health, schools and development applications around Manly - Fairlight, then export the list.
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AreaSearch tracks 20 projects in Manly - Fairlight (5 under construction) and 80 more in the surrounding area.
Redevelopment of the former Manly Hospital site into the Manly Health and Wellbeing Precinct. The masterplan includes a residential aged care facility, approximately 120 seniors living apartments, affordable housing, a health and wellbeing centre, public open spaces, a childcare centre, and retail spaces.
A 36km continuous coastal walking trail linking Manly to Palm Beach, integrating existing paths with new boardwalks, stairs, and viewing platforms.
Redevelopment of the historic Manly Life Saving Club facility to provide modern lifeguard facilities, expanded community and volunteer lifesaver training amenities, public toilets, accessible features, and an upgraded cafe/kiosk.
Comprehensive rejuvenation of the historic 1855 Manly Wharf by Artemus Group (Howard Smith Wharves). The project includes a $13.5M hospitality transformation of the former Aldi site into a Felons microbrewery and Barrel Room, plus a major upgrade to the retail arcade.
State Significant Development masterplan transforming the former Manly Hospital site into an integrated health and wellbeing precinct. The masterplan delivers 120 seniors living apartments, a residential aged care facility, community health services, childcare, and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings across a 4.6-hectare site.
Redevelopment of the former Whitewater Restaurant site into a four-storey boutique commercial and retail building. The project delivers three levels of premium beachfront commercial office suites above ground-floor retail and dining, featuring rooftop solar, EV charging, and end-of-trip facilities.
Five-storey, $100 million luxury residential and retail development featuring 24 premium apartments (15 two-bedroom, 6 three-bedroom, and 3 penthouses) above a ground-floor retail space. Designed by SJB Architects, the building draws inspiration from Manly's coastal character.
Proposed adaptive reuse and commercial redevelopment of the heritage-listed Manly Town Hall into a multi-use performance, cultural, and exhibition space via a Public Private Partnership (PPP).
A landmark mixed-use precinct on a 6,398sqm beachfront site featuring Aurora, a luxury 58-apartment development across three buildings (two, five, and eight storeys). The project includes 20 rooms of revitalised accommodation for visiting rural families, retail, and commercial spaces.
Proposed 9-storey residential development by Luxcon Group featuring 23 luxury apartments, including 5 affordable housing dwellings, with basement car parking and communal amenities situated near Manly Wharf[cite: 1].
Redevelopment of the site into a five-storey mixed-use shoptop housing project featuring 24 premium apartments, including 3 penthouses, central communal gardens, and ground-floor retail tenancies opposite Manly Oval.
Demolition of existing residential structures and construction of a stepped residential flat building development taking advantage of the sloping site topography between Fairlight Street and Clifford Avenue.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 58 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 6, 2026 23, 2027 16, 2028 7, 2029 2, 2030 1, 2031 1, 2032 0, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 2. 27 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 337 substantial development applications lodged in and around Manly - Fairlight over the past 5 years, 227 in the last 12 months; 79 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 10, 2022 27, 2023 17, 2024 19, 2025 59, 2026 (to Oct) 205.
Key application 25 Ashburner Street, Manly Multi-Resi | $72m Under Assessment
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 337 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 227 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 1.7 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 18th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 38 | ABS building approvals | 50th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 128 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 79 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Manly - Fairlight SA2 include: Northern Beaches Coast Walk (Construction); Manly Wharf Masterplan Revitalisation (Under Assessment); Manly Wharf Redevelopment (Dev. Application); 34-35 South Steyne (Whitewater) (Construction); and Royal Far West Neighbourhood Development (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Manly - Fairlight SA2 spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Precincts & Urban Renewal, and Retail, among others.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees Manly - Fairlight recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
Dwelling approval activity in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 area has seen 66 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Manly - Fairlight SA2's current population of 24,637 has been supported by 38 approvals on average over recent years.
The Manly - Fairlight SA2 has seen 1.6 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 6.2 approvals in Greater Sydney. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 785 people in the Manly - Fairlight SA2, compared to one for every 165 in Greater Sydney.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Manly - Fairlight SA2's approval levels have been significantly below the yearly average of 38, showing a notable downturn in recent development.
Over the past five years, the population in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 has grown by approximately 1,038 people, while 192 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 5.4 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
An assessment of population growth drivers in Manly - Fairlight reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,637 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +9.8% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 3,658 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 89th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +0.9% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +0.5% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 22,438 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 2,199 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +2.5% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +1.2% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 6.74 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Manly - Fairlight SA2 was estimated to be approximately 24,637 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 24,569 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The manly - fairlight sa2 has added approximately 2,199 people and shown a 9.80% increase from the 22,438 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is estimated at 3,655 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.5% per annum.
Population growth in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (84.3%), Natural increase (15.7%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 84.3% of overall population gains.
Manly - Fairlight's population is slightly younger than the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 37 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 40th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 16.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 12.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 32.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 60.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 38 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 5.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 7.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 10.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 21.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 16.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 11.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 11.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 8.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 5.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 2.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 at 37 years as at August 2026. That is down from the 2021 Census figure of 38 years, with AreaSearch updating the age profile for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 37 years as at August 2026, Manly - Fairlight is equal to the Greater Sydney 2021 Census average and similarly aligned with comparable to the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 compared to the Greater Sydney region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 21.7% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 compared to the Greater Sydney region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 7.7% of the population.
No, the age distribution in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is broadly in line with Greater Sydney.
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 12.7% of the population in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 16.2% of the population in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 as at August 2026.
The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 4% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $81,552 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 96th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $146,850 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $3,185 | 2021 Census, weekly | 98th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $1,568 | 2021 Census, weekly | 98th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 52.8% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $4,245 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 11.8% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is approximately $86,755. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $81,552.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is approximately $156,219. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $146,850.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is approximately $86,755 compared to $67,214 in Greater Sydney. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $81,552 and $63,183 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is approximately $156,219 compared to $92,214 in Greater Sydney. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $146,850 and $86,684 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Manly - Fairlight SA2's households (~40.8% / 3,831 households) is the $4000+ cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is the $4000+ group, representing about 40.8% of households. In comparison, Greater Sydney's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 30.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is $3,185/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is $4,245/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is $1,568/wk.
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-24 reveals that income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is among the top percentile nationally, with the median assessed at $81,552 while the average income stands at $146,850. This contrasts to Greater Sydney's figures of a median income of $63,183 and an average income of $86,684. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $86,755 (median) and $156,219 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is $11,535 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The manly - fairlight sa2's disposable income is $11,535 compared to $7,412 for Greater Sydney, based on AreaSearch analysis.
The labour market in Manly - Fairlight shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 74.8% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 15,749 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 21,051 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 16,200 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Manly - Fairlight SA2 has approximately 15,749 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 2.8%. This very low unemployment rate indicates a tight labour market with strong demand for workers. Employment performance is above the national median, showing positive labour market dynamics.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 stands at 2.8%, which is 1.4 percentage points below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are professional & technical (23.4% of employment), finance & insurance (11.8%), and health care & social assistance (10.5%). Other significant employers include education & training and construction.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Manly - Fairlight SA2 has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has fallen. By comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment increased and its unemployment rate dropped.
The workforce participation rate in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is 74.8%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This high participation rate indicates strong workforce engagement and economic vitality. The local rate leading the Greater Sydney average of 68.9%, indicating stronger workforce attachment in the local area.
The manly - fairlight sa2 shows notable specialisation in professional & technical, which employs 23.4% of the local workforce compared to 11.5% across Greater Sydney. With a local vs regional employment ratio of 2.0, this represents a significant industry cluster that likely serves markets beyond the local area. The area also shows above-average employment in 1 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The manly - fairlight sa2's employment market shows above-average performance nationally, placing in the top half of areas assessed. Employment indicators suggest healthy labour market conditions relative to other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 3.8% decline, ranking 32nd out of 37 regions nationally.
Manly - Fairlight shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 39.6% | 2021 Census | 98th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 16.6% | 2021 Census | 92nd percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 59.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 9.8% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 3.5% | 2021 Census | 77th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 10.5% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 20.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 24.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 6.1% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 7.1% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 5.5% | 2021 Census | 11th percentile nationally |
59.7% of people aged 15 and over in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 38.0% in Greater Sydney.
20.0% of people aged 15 and over in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 34.2% in Greater Sydney.
The manly - fairlight sa2 ranks in the 88th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 are: Bachelor Degree (39.6%), Postgraduate (16.6%), Advanced Diploma (10.5%).
24.5% of the population in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 7.1% in primary school, 5.5% in secondary school, 6.1% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is 1130, indicating above-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 8 schools within the Manly - Fairlight SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 2,219 students.
The manly - fairlight sa2 includes 4 primary schools, 3 secondary schools, 1 combined school.
Manly - Fairlight features high concentrations of group households and couples without children but relatively few single parent families, with a smaller average household size than Greater Sydney.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.2 people | 2021 Census | 15th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 29.5% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 24.5% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 32.0% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 6.0% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 7.3% | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 9,381 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 10,300 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 63.2% | 2021 Census | 20th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.1 per family | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Manly - Fairlight SA2 had 9,381 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 9.8% to an estimated 10,300 households today.
The average household size in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is 2.2 people. This compares to 2.7 in Greater Sydney and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 63.2% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (29.5%), group households (7.3%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 5,929 family households, couples with children account for 24.5% of all households, couples without children at home 32.0%, and single parent families 6.0%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Sydney, the Manly - Fairlight SA2 shows distinct household patterns. Lone person households are notably over-represented at 29.5% (versus 23.2% in Greater Sydney). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 63.2% compared to 72.6% in Greater Sydney. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 have an average of 1.1 children, slightly below the Greater Sydney average of 1.5. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 40.5% of the adult population are currently married, while 44.6% have never married. This compares to 48.3% married and 36.4% never married across Greater Sydney.
Single-person households represent 29.5% of all households in the Manly - Fairlight SA2, higher than the average for Greater Sydney of 23.2%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 7.3% of households, above the Greater Sydney average of 4.2%. This higher rate points to more student or young professional shared accommodation.
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Manly - Fairlight was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 40.1% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 15.0% | 2021 Census | 53rd percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 85.0% | 2021 Census | 46th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 77.5% | 2021 Census | 16th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 59.9% | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 0.4% | 2021 Census | 14th percentile nationally |
Manly - Fairlight was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 15.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.1% born overseas.
Christianity is the most commonly reported religion in Manly - Fairlight, at 43.0% of people, although more residents (54.7%) reported no religion. Christianity accounts for 49.2% across Greater Sydney.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Manly - Fairlight are English, comprising 30.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than Greater Sydney's 19.0%, Australian, comprising 18.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.6% of Manly - Fairlight (vs 0.5% across Greater Sydney), Spanish at 1.0% (vs 0.6%) and Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.4%).
40.1% of the Manly - Fairlight SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 40.5% across Greater Sydney.
15.0% of the population in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 39.5% in Greater Sydney.
0.4% of the Manly - Fairlight SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 1.3% in Greater Sydney.
77.5% of the Manly - Fairlight SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 80.8% in Greater Sydney.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Manly - Fairlight features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 48.3% | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 30.1% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
| Apartments | 70.2% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $3,467 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 98th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 21.6% | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 14.3% | 2021 Census | 71st percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $725 | 2021 Census, weekly | 99th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 22.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 69th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 25.1% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 59th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 1.0 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
In the Manly - Fairlight SA2, 30.1% of homes are owned outright, 21.6% are owned with a mortgage, and 48.3% are rented.
According to the latest data, 15.2% of dwellings in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 are houses.
In the Manly - Fairlight SA2, 70.2% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 14.3% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 stands at 30.1%, compared to 28.7% in Greater Sydney.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is $3,467, compared to $2,427 in Greater Sydney.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is $2,266, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Manly - Fairlight SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 25.1% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 22.8% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is 1.0, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 25.1% of income on repayments (vs 27.0% in Greater Sydney), while renters spend 22.8% of income on rent (vs 22.6% in Greater Sydney).
The dwelling mix in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 consists of 15.2% detached houses, 14.3% semi-detached dwellings, 70.2% apartments, and 0.3% other dwelling types.
Housing in Manly - Fairlight consumes approximately 16.4% of median household income ($13,791 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Manly - Fairlight show attached dwellings contributing 81% of approvals compared to 85% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 19% of applications versus 15% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Manly - Fairlight is experiencing exceptional growth in housing density, ranking in the top 10% nationally.
Manly - Fairlight's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 82.8% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 99th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 77.4% | 2021 Census | 88th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 2.7% | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 83.6% | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 0.4% | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
Around 82.8% of people in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 59.8% in Greater Sydney.
In the Manly - Fairlight SA2, 2.7% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 5.2% of people in Greater Sydney require similar assistance.
6.1% of people in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 6.4% of the population across Greater Sydney is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 1.8% of the Manly - Fairlight SA2 population, while in Greater Sydney, 4.3% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
3.1% of people in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 have heart disease. Across Greater Sydney,3.2% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Manly - Fairlight SA2, 82.8% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Sydney sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 59.8%.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 97 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 97th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 165 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 89th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 11,159 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 96th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 149 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 65 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 0.8 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 64.5% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 165 public transport stops within the Manly - Fairlight SA2.
The Manly - Fairlight SA2 has 11,159 weekly trips across 65 routes, averaging 1,594 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 116 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 392 m away and the nearest pharmacy 407 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 165 stops nearby, 11,159 weekly trips, access rating 97 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 80 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 80th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 392 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 407 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 428 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest school | 441 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest GP | 468 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 472 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 542 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 731 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 741 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 1.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 3.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 8 long day care centres with 624 places in Manly - Fairlight, about 2.0 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Manly - Fairlight is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Manly - Fairlight.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees Manly - Fairlight recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
Manly - Fairlight ranks in the 43rd percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Manly - Fairlight's sought-after property market has recorded 521 sales in the 12 months to June 2026, comprising 99% residential and 1% commercial transactions.
An assessment of population growth drivers in Manly - Fairlight reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends.
Manly - Fairlight's population is slightly younger than the national pattern.
The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 4% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis.
The labour market in Manly - Fairlight shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions.
Manly - Fairlight shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
Manly - Fairlight features high concentrations of group households and couples without children but relatively few single parent families, with a smaller average household size than Greater Sydney.
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Manly - Fairlight was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
Manly - Fairlight features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Manly - Fairlight's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Manly - Fairlight has an estimated 24,637 residents, up 9.8% since the 2021 Census, with 20 projects tracked in Manly - Fairlight.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Manly - Fairlight.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Sep 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Sep 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 14 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (122011419). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Sep 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Manly - Fairlight from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Manly - Fairlight with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
