Manly West

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

Manly West's population was around 12,334 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 474 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,860 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,321 from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 56 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,512 persons per square kilometer, placing Manly West in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 4.0% growth since census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 53.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 236 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 1.8% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Manly West according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Manly West has recorded approximately 22 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 113 homes. As of FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.8 new residents per year were gained for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $405,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

This financial year has seen $49.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Manly West shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 57.0% below the regional average per person, generally supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 63.0% detached houses and 37.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 81.0% houses), possibly due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. The location has approximately 742 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Population forecasts suggest Manly West will gain 222 residents by 2041.

With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Manly West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Mayfair Village Shopping Centre Expansion, New Special School on Brisbane's Bayside (commencing 2023), Rivermakers Precinct (expected completion 2024), and Manly Road Residences (scheduled for 2025). The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Manly West performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Manly West has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of September 2025.

This is lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 6.2% over the past year. As of September 2025, 7,291 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 67.0%, similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (15.3%), education & training, and construction. However, healthcare employs fewer locals than the Greater Brisbane average of 16.1%. The predominantly residential area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparisons. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 6.2% while labour force grew by 5.8%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's employment growth of 3.8%. Statewide in Queensland, employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Manly West's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by similar rates, assuming population projections remain stable.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Manly West SA2 had one of Australia's highest incomes according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2022. Its median income was $61,697 and average income stood at $79,865, compared to Greater Brisbane's $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated median income for September 2025 is approximately $70,328 and average income is $91,038. Manly West's incomes cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. Incomes in the $1,500 - $2,999 range account for 31.4% of its population (3,872 individuals), mirroring the region where 33.3% fall within this bracket. High earners make up a substantial proportion (31.5%) in Manly West, indicating strong economic capacity. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income and residents rank within the 75th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Manly West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Manly West's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.6% houses and 19.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 78.0% houses and 22.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manly West was at 32.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.4% and rented ones at 23.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,050, lower than Brisbane metro's $2,100. Median weekly rent was $435 compared to Brisbane metro's $420. Nationally, Manly West's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,050 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Manly West features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 78.7% of all households, including 38.2% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.3%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Manly West has 27.5% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, which is higher than the SA4 region average of 23.7%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 19.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (24.1%). Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Manly West shows 46 active transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 different routes, together providing 491 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 212 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per stop.

Manly West's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Manly West's health metrics are close to national benchmarks.

The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (7,375 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.0 and 7.8% of residents respectively. 69.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.4% across Greater Brisbane. As of 2021, Manly West has 17.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,186 people), which is higher than the 16.7% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Manly West records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Manly West's population, like the wider area, is predominantly Australian-born, with 78.3%. Citizenship stands at 89.0%, and English-only speakers are 90.9%. Christianity is the major religion here at 54.9%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 52.5%.

Top ancestral groups are English (31.0%), Australian (24.4%), and Irish (9.9%). Notably, New Zealanders are overrepresented at 1.2% compared to 1.3% regionally, Maori at 1.1% versus 1.4%, and South African at 0.8%.

Manly West's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Manly West is 40 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and slightly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Manly West has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 45-54 (15.5% locally) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (8.0%). Post-2021 Census data shows an increase in the 15-24 age group from 11.2% to 12.2%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 9.9% to 8.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Manly West. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 118% (from 326 to 714 people), with residents aged 65 and older representing 71% of anticipated growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.