Manly - Fairlight

SA2

Greater Sydney / Manly

Updated 8 Mar 2026 ABS 2021 122011419
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Statistical Area (SA2) Boundary Analysis

This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.

SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).

Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.

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Sales Activity

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Population

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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 24,476 as of November 2025. This shows an increase of 2,038 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 22,438. The change is inferred from ABS figures: 24,289 in June 2024 and additional validated addresses since then. This results in a density ratio of 3,631 persons per square kilometer, placing Manly-Fairlight in the upper quartile nationally. Its growth rate of 9.1% since the 2021 Census exceeds its SA4 region's (3.4%) and SA3 area's growth rates. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.0% of recent population gains.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 (base year 2021) are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Manly-Fairlight is projected to have a population increase of 2,990 persons, reflecting an overall gain of 11.4% over the 17-year period.

Frequently Asked Questions - Population

What is the latest population estimate for the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Total population for the Manly - Fairlight SA2 was estimated to be approximately 24,476 as at Nov 25. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 24,289 from the ABS up to June 2024.
How has the population in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 changed since 2021?
The manly - fairlight sa2 has added approximately 2,038 people and shown a 9.08% increase from the 22,438 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
What is the population density in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The population density in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is estimated at 3,631 persons per square kilometer based on the latest population estimate.
How much has the population grown over the past 10 years in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of 0.5% per annum.
What are the main drivers of population growth in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Population growth in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (80.0%), Natural increase (20.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 80.0% of overall population gains.

Development

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AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Manly - Fairlight recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Manly - Fairlight granted around 43 residential approvals annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, it approved 216 homes, with another 33 in FY-26. Over these years, each dwelling attracted an average of 2.8 new residents yearly, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

Developers focus on the premium segment, with new homes averaging $984,000 in construction cost value. This year has seen $59.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting robust commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Sydney, Manly - Fairlight shows approximately 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 36th percentile nationally, suggesting limited housing choices for buyers. Recent construction comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% medium-high density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The area has around 634 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

By 2041, Manly - Fairlight is projected to grow by 2,803 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Frequently Asked Questions - Development

How many dwelling approvals have occurred in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 recently?
Dwelling approval activity in the the Manly - Fairlight SA2 area has seen 105 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Manly - Fairlight SA2's current population of 24,476 has been supported by 43 approvals on average over recent years.
How does the Manly - Fairlight SA2's development activity compare to the broader region?
The Manly - Fairlight SA2 has seen 0.19 approvals per 100 people in recent years, compared to 0.66 approvals in the broader region. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 634 people in the Manly - Fairlight SA2, compared to one for every 186 in the broader region.
Is the Manly - Fairlight SA2 keeping up with housing demand?
With the population expected to increase by 2,803 people by 2041, around 1,402 new dwellings will be necessary. Recent approval levels may be insufficient to meet these forecasts, considering the census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling. This indicates potential housing shortages if current approval trends continue.
What has been the trend in development approvals over the past five years in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Manly - Fairlight SA2's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 43, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
How many dwellings will be needed to accommodate future population growth in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The population in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is expected to grow by 2,803 people by 2041, necessitating approximately 1,402 new dwellings. This calculation is based on the current census average of 2.0 persons per dwelling in the area.
How does recent development compare to population growth in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Over the past five years, the population in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 has grown by approximately 4,306 people, while 216 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 19.9 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
Are there opportunities for residential developers in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
With dwelling approval activity running at an average of 43 approvals per year and a population of 24,476, there appears to be a supply shortfall relative to projected demand, presenting strong opportunities for residential developers. With the population expected to increase by 2,803 people by 2041, around 1,402 new dwellings will be necessary. Current approval trends may be insufficient to meet forecast demand, indicating strong development opportunities.

Infrastructure

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Manly - Fairlight has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Two Tides, Two Tides at Manly, Manly Hospital Health And Well-Being Precinct, and Manly Cove West (Former Sea Life) Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure

What are some of the major infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Manly - Fairlight SA2 include: Two Tides (Construction); Two Tides, Manly (Construction); Manly Hospital Health And Well-Being Precinct (Planning); Manly Cove West (Former Sea Life) Redevelopment (Planning); and White Water (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
What types of infrastructure projects are impacting the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Infrastructure development impacting the Manly - Fairlight SA2 spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, and Tourism, among others.
What is the scale of infrastructure investment impacting the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Infrastructure investment analysis indicates significant investment of approximately $978 million in infrastructure projects affecting the region, with a notable concentration of investment within the immediate the Manly - Fairlight SA2 vicinity.
How does the Manly - Fairlight SA2's infrastructure development compare to other areas?
With an infrastructure score in the top 40%, the Manly - Fairlight SA2 demonstrates above-average development activity compared to national benchmarks.
North Head Sanctuary Master Plan
Category: Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
Stage: Approved | Est. Comp: 2044
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Formally adopted in February 2024, this 20-year framework guides the conservation and public activation of the 74-hectare North Head site. Key initiatives include a central shared pedestrian and cycle path connecting the Barracks and North Fort precincts, First Nations co-design, and the adaptive reuse of heritage military buildings. Active 2025 works include the restoration of historic sandstone walls and the creation of new openings for improved pedestrian access at North Fort, scheduled for completion by January 2026.

Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal

Freshwater Beach Masterplan
Category: Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2026
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Comprehensive revitalization of the Freshwater Beach precinct. Completed components include a major accessible playground (upgraded Feb 2026), a small southern playground (completed Feb 2026), a timber lookout deck, picnic shelters, and accessible pedestrian ramps. The next major phase, Stage 4a, involves the construction of a new standalone public amenities building with family change rooms and accessible facilities, scheduled to commence in 2026.

Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal

Stockland Balgowlah Shopping Centre Expansion & Residential
Category: Retail
Stage: Approved | Est. Comp: 2028
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

A major expansion and refurbishment of the existing Stockland Balgowlah shopping centre (The Village). The project includes a new Kmart, an upgraded Coles, and an expanded retail and dining precinct. It also features a 14-storey build-to-rent residential tower providing 183 apartments, including 20 affordable housing units, designed to enhance the local mixed-use hub.

Retail

Manly Hospital Health And Well-Being Precinct
Category: Health & Medical
Stage: Planning | Est. Comp: 2027
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Redevelopment of former Manly Hospital (established 1896, closed 2018) into a $150 million intergenerational health and wellbeing precinct. Planned uses include seniors housing, independent retirement living, affordable housing, residential aged care facility, health and wellbeing centre, community spaces, retail, and childcare centre. Features adaptive reuse of heritage buildings with preservation of rainforest areas. The first stage, the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, was completed in 2023.

Health & Medical

Manly Wharf Redevelopment
Category: Ports, Marinas, Fisheries & Aquaculture
Stage: Planning | Est. Comp: 2025
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Major redevelopment of iconic 1855 heritage wharf by new owners Howard Smith Wharves. Plans include new pub and microbrewery in former Aldi site, enhanced retail/dining precinct with 20 specialty tenancies. $13.5M pub project with 700 patron capacity.

Ports, Marinas, Fisheries & Aquaculture

Manly Cove West (Former Sea Life) Redevelopment
Category: Tourism
Stage: Planning | Est. Comp: 2026
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Revitalisation of former Sea Life aquarium site (operated 1965-2018). Demolition completed December 2024. New development to include enhanced waterfront public spaces, wider boardwalk for outdoor dining and recreation, improved connectivity to heritage buildings including Manly Pavilion, and potential vessel pick-up/drop-off facilities.

Tourism

Manly Village Public School Upgrade
Category: Education & Training
Stage: Completed | Est. Comp: 2025
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Three-stage upgrade completed February 2025. New classrooms, special programs spaces, library refurbishment, and playground improvements. Enhanced facilities for 420 students with modern learning environments and accessibility upgrades.

Education & Training

White Water
Category: Business Parks & Technology Hubs
Stage: Construction | Est. Comp: 2025
Source / Links: Link 1   Link 2  

Redevelopment of the former Whitewater Restaurant site into premium beachfront offices above an active street level retail tenancy. The project delivers three commercial levels plus ground floor retail, with end of trip facilities, EV charging and rooftop solar.

Business Parks & Technology Hubs

Employment

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Employment performance in Manly - Fairlight exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Manly - Fairlight has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in the technology sector. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 3.2%, below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. The area has 15,371 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.0% lower than the regional average and a workforce participation rate of 75.5%.

According to Census responses, 64.5% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance sectors. The area has notably high representation in professional & technical jobs, at 2.0 times the regional average, but lower representation in health care & social assistance, at 10.5% compared to the regional average of 14.1%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.1%, employment decreased by 1.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points.

In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Manly - Fairlight's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 14.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions - Employment

What is the employment situation in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
As of September 2025, the Manly - Fairlight SA2 has approximately 15,371 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 3.2%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment performance is above the national median, showing positive labour market dynamics.
How does the Manly - Fairlight SA2's unemployment rate compare to the broader region?
As of September 2025, the unemployment rate in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 stands at 3.2%, which is 1.0 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 4.1%.
What are the major employment sectors in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
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.
How has employment changed recently in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Over the past year to September 2025, the Manly - Fairlight SA2 has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force decreased. As a result, the unemployment rate has rise. By comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
What is the workforce participation rate in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The workforce participation rate in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is 75.5%, 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 70.0%, indicating stronger workforce attachment in the local area.
Which industries are over-represented in the Manly - Fairlight SA2's employment market?
The manly - fairlight sa2 shows notable specialization in professional & technical, which employs 23.4% of the local workforce compared to 11.5% regionally. 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.
What are the employment growth prospects for the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Based on Jobs and Skills Australia projections applied to the Manly - Fairlight SA2's industry mix, employment is expected to grow by 7.6% over the next five years and 14.9% over ten years. This exceeds the national forecast of 6.6% over five years, suggesting the area's industry composition is well-positioned for future growth. Steady growth is anticipated across multiple sectors, providing diverse employment opportunities.
How does the job market in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 compare nationally?
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 13.1% decline, ranking 19.0th out of 37 regions nationally.
What employment opportunities exist for skilled workers in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Skilled workers will find excellent opportunities in the Manly - Fairlight SA2, with knowledge-intensive sectors comprising 57.1% of local employment. Key sectors for skilled workers include professional & technical (23.4%), finance & insurance (11.8%), and health care & social assistance (10.5%). With projected employment growth of 7.6% over five years, demand for skilled workers is expected to remain strong.

Income

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Manly-Fairlight SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $78,987 and an average level of $138,812. Nationally, these figures place Manly-Fairlight in the top percentile. In Greater Sydney, the median was $60,817 and the average was $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $85,985 (median) and $151,111 (average). The 2021 Census showed household, family, and personal incomes in Manly-Fairlight ranking highly nationally, between the 98th and 98th percentiles. Income analysis revealed that 40.8% of individuals earned over $4,000 per week, contrasting with Greater Sydney where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket led at 30.9%. The district's affluence was evident with 52.8% earning over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consumed 16.4% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 97th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 10th decile.

Frequently Asked Questions - Income

What is the median taxable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to September 2025, the estimated median taxable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is approximately $85,985. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded a median of $78,987.
What is the average taxable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to September 2025, the estimated average taxable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is approximately $151,111. The official ATO data from FY-23 recorded an average of $138,812.
How does the median taxable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to September 2025, the estimated median taxable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is approximately $85,985 compared to $66,205 in Greater Sydney. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $78,987 and $60,817 respectively.
How does the average taxable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 compare to the region?
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to September 2025, the estimated average taxable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is approximately $151,111 compared to $90,357 in Greater Sydney. The official ATO data from FY-23 shows $138,812 and $83,003 respectively.
What are the main income cohorts in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
As per the 2021 Census, the income bracket containing the largest proportion (~40.8% / 9,986 persons) of the Manly - Fairlight SA2's population is the $4000+ cohort.
How do the main income cohorts in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 compare to the region?
The largest income cohort in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is the $4000+ group, representing about 40.8% of the population. In comparison, Greater Sydney's largest income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 30.9% of its population, according to the 2021 Census.
What is the median household income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is $3,185/wk.
What is the median family income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is $4,245/wk.
What is the median personal income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 according to the 2021 Census?
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is $1,568/wk.
How does the Manly - Fairlight SA2's income rank nationally?
According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Manly - Fairlight SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $78,987 with the average level standing at $138,812. This is among the top percentile nationally and compares to levels of $60,817 and $83,003 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $85,985 (median) and $151,111 (average) as of September 2025.
What is the disposable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The estimated disposable income in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is $11,535 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
How does the Manly - Fairlight SA2's disposable income compare to the region?
The manly - fairlight sa2's disposable income is $11,535 compared to $7,412 for Greater Sydney, based on AreaSearch analysis.

Housing

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Manly - Fairlight features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Manly-Fairlight's dwelling structures in its latest Census showed 15.2% houses and 84.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manly-Fairlight was 30.1%, similar to Sydney metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.6% and rented ones at 48.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,467, exceeding the Sydney metro average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Manly-Fairlight was $725, higher than Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Manly-Fairlight's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $3,467 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Frequently Asked Questions - Housing

What percentage of homes are owned vs rented in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
In the Manly - Fairlight SA2, 30.1% of homes are owned outright, 21.6% are owned with a mortgage, and 48.3% are rented.
What percentage of dwellings in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 are houses?
According to the latest data, 15.2% of dwellings in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 are houses.
What percentage of dwellings in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 are apartments or units?
In the Manly - Fairlight SA2, 70.2% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 14.3% being semi-detached dwellings.
What is the level of outright home ownership in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Outright home ownership in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 stands at 30.1%, compared to 28.7% in Greater Sydney.
What is the median monthly mortgage repayment in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is $3,467, compared to $2,427 in Greater Sydney.
What is the median weekly rent in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The median weekly rent in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is $725, compared to $470 in Greater Sydney.
What is the distribution of rental prices in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
In the Manly - Fairlight SA2, 1.8% of rentals are $0-149/week, 5.3% are $150-349/week, 29.1% are $350-649/week, 37.6% are $650-949/week, and 26.2% are $950+/week.
What is the average monthly housing cost in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is $2,266, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
What percentage of income do residents spend on housing in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
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.
How crowded are homes in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is 1.0, indicating the level of household density.
How does housing affordability in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 compare to the region?
Housing affordability in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 25.1% of income on repayments (vs 27.0% regionally), while renters spend 22.8% of income on rent (vs 22.6% regionally).
What types of dwellings are most common in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
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.
What is the weighted average housing cost based on tenure mix in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Based on the area's tenure composition, the weighted average monthly housing cost is approximately $2,265. This accounts for outright owners paying no housing costs, mortgage holders paying $3,467/month, and renters paying $3,139/month.
How affordable is housing in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 relative to local incomes?
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.
How do proposed developments compare to existing housing types in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Recent development applications in Manly - Fairlight show attached dwellings contributing 88% of approvals compared to 85% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 12% 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.

Household Composition

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Manly - Fairlight features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 63.2% of all households, including 24.5% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 6.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households making up 29.5% and group households comprising 7.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Frequently Asked Questions - Households

How many households are in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
As of the 2021 Census, the Manly - Fairlight SA2 had 9,381 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 9.1% to an estimated 10,233 households today.
What is the typical household size?
The median 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.
What types of households are most common?
Family households dominate at 63.2% of all households. The remaining households consist of lone person households (29.5%), group households (7.3%), and other household types (0.0%).
How are families structured in the area?
Among the 5,928 family households, 24.5% are couples with children, 32.0% are couples without children at home, and 6.0% are single parent families. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
How does the Manly - Fairlight SA2 compare to regional household patterns?
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% regionally). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 63.2% compared to the regional 72.6%. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
What is the average family size?
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.
What are the marriage patterns in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
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.
How significant are single-person households?
Single-person households represent 29.5% of all households in the Manly - Fairlight SA2, higher than the regional average of 23.2%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Are shared living arrangements common?
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 7.3% of households, well below the Greater Sydney average of 4.2%. This low rate suggests limited student or young professional shared accommodation.
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Local Schools & Education

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Manly - Fairlight shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Manly - Fairlight residents aged 15+ have higher university qualification rates at 59.7%, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 39.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways account for 20.3%, with advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 9.8%. A total of 24.5% are actively engaged in formal education, including 7.1% in primary, 6.1% in tertiary, and 5.5% in secondary education.

A substantial 24.5% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.1% in primary education, 6.1% in tertiary education, and 5.5% pursuing secondary education.

Frequently Asked Questions - Education

What percentage of people in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 have university qualifications?
59.7% of people aged 15 and over in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 38.0% in the broader region.
What percentage of people in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 have no formal qualifications?
20.0% of people aged 15 and over in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 34.2% regionally.
How does the Manly - Fairlight SA2's education level compare to national averages?
The manly - fairlight sa2 ranks in the 88th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
What types of qualifications are most common in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The most common qualifications in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 are: Bachelor Degree (39.6%), Postgraduate (16.6%), Advanced Diploma (10.5%).
What proportion of the Manly - Fairlight SA2's population is currently attending educational institutions?
24.5% of the population in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, with 7.1% in primary school, 5.5% in secondary school, 6.1% at university.
What is the ICSEA score for schools in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
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.
How many schools are located within the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
There are 8 schools within the Manly - Fairlight SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 2,219 students.
What types of schools are available in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The manly - fairlight sa2 includes 4 primary schools, 3 secondary schools, 1 combined school.

Schools Detail

Nearby Services & Amenities

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Transport

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Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Manly-Fairlight has 161 operational public transport stops offering a blend of ferry and bus services. These are covered by 65 separate routes, facilitating 14,049 weekly passenger journeys. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 116 meters to the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most residents commute outwards using cars (63%), followed by walking (12%) and buses (9%). The area has a lower than average vehicle ownership rate at 0.8 per dwelling. As of the 2021 Census, 64.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Daily service frequency averages 2,007 trips across all routes, translating to approximately 87 weekly trips per individual stop. The map provided illustrates the 100 nearest stops relative to the location's centrepoint.

Frequently Asked Questions - Transport

How many public transport stops are in Manly - Fairlight?
There are 161 public transport stops within the Manly - Fairlight SA2.
How frequent are the transport services in Manly - Fairlight?
the Manly - Fairlight SA2 has 14,049 weekly trips across 65 routes, averaging 2,007 trips per day.
How far are residents from public transport in Manly - Fairlight?
On average, residential properties are 116 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Transport Stops Detail

Health

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Manly - Fairlight's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Manly-Fairlight's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 82% of the total population (20,192 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.1 and 5.7% of residents respectively. Notably, 77.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. In terms of demographics, 16.4% of Manly-Fairlight's residents are aged 65 and over (4,026 people), which is higher than Greater Sydney's 15.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in the area are particularly strong, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

Frequently Asked Questions - Health

How many people in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 have private health insurance?
Around 82.5% of people in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 59.9% in the broader region of Greater Sydney.
What percentage of the population requires ongoing medical assistance in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
In the Manly - Fairlight SA2, 2.7% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. This figure is slightly different from the regional average, where 5.2% of people in Greater Sydney require similar assistance.
How prevalent is asthma in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
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.
What percentage of people have diabetes in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
Diabetes affects 1.8% of the the Manly - Fairlight SA2 population, while in the surrounding region, 4.3% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
What is the percentage of people with heart disease in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
3.1% of people in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 have heart disease. Across the region of Greater Sydney, 3.2% of the population is affected by heart disease.
How does the Manly - Fairlight SA2 compare to the region in terms of overall private health coverage?
In the Manly - Fairlight SA2, 82.5% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Sydney sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 59.9%.

Cultural Diversity

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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's cultural diversity was significant, with 15.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 40.1% born overseas. Christianity dominated as the main religion, at 43.0%. Judaism's representation was notably higher in Manly-Fairlight compared to Greater Sydney, at 0.5% versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (18.6%), and Irish (10.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: French (1.6% vs regional 0.5%), Spanish (1.0% vs 0.6%), and Welsh (0.8% vs 0.4%) were overrepresented in Manly-Fairlight.

Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity

What is the level of cultural diversity in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
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.
What is the most common religion in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The main religion in Manly - Fairlight was found to be Christianity, which makes up 43.0% of people in Manly - Fairlight. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.5% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.
What are the top countries of origin in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
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 the regional average of 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% regionally), Spanish at 1.0% (vs 0.6%) and Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.4%).
How does the percentage of people born overseas compare to the regional average?
40.1% of the the Manly - Fairlight SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 40.5% regionally.
What percentage of the the Manly - Fairlight SA2 population speaks a language other than English at home?
15.0% of the population in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 39.5% in the wider region.
How many people in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 identify as Australian Aboriginal?
0.4% of the the Manly - Fairlight SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 1.3% in the region.
What is the citizenship status of the population in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
77.5% of the the Manly - Fairlight SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 80.8% in the wider region.

Age

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Manly - Fairlight's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Manly-Fairlight was close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years at 38 years during the time period mentioned. This figure is also equivalent to Australia's national median age of 38 years. In comparison with Greater Sydney, Manly-Fairlight had a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 years (20.2%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 years (8.0%). The concentration of residents aged 25-34 years in Manly-Fairlight was well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 years has increased from 8.4% to 10.4%, while the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 years has decreased from 13.0% to 11.8%. By the year 2041, Manly-Fairlight is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The group aged 75-84 years is expected to grow by 56%, with an increase of 805 people, reaching a total of 2,240 from 1,434. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 67% of the projected growth in population. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups of 0-4 years and 5-14 years.

Frequently Asked Questions - Age

What is the median age in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
According to the latest data, the median age in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is 38 years.
How does the Manly - Fairlight SA2's median age compare to broader areas?
At 38 years, Manly - Fairlight is comparable to the Greater Sydney average (37 years) and similarly aligned with equal to the national average.
What age groups are over-represented in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The most over-represented age group in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 compared to the Greater Sydney region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 20.2% of the population.
What age groups are under-represented in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The most under-represented age group in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 compared to the Greater Sydney region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 8.0% of the population.
Are there age groups with notable population variances?
No, the age distribution in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is broadly in line with the Greater Sydney region.
What is the percentage of children (0-14 years) in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The percentage of children aged 0-14 years in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is 13.4%.
What is the percentage of older people (65+ years) in the Manly - Fairlight SA2?
The percentage of people aged 65 and over in the Manly - Fairlight SA2 is 16.4%.

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