Manly (Qld)

Manly has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Manly's population is estimated at around 4577 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 304 people (7.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4273 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4474, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2119 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Manly's 7.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the Manly (Qld) SA2 expected to expand by 220 persons to reach approximately 4807 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 2.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Manly has received approximately 23 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 117 homes. In FY-26 so far, 130 approvals have been recorded. The average new resident arrival per new home is about 1.7 per year between FY-21 and FY-25. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $1,062,000.

Commercial approvals valued at $3.0 million have been registered this financial year. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Manly's construction is 22.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. New development consists of 61.0% detached houses and 39.0% townhouses or apartments.

The location has approximately 227 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Manly is projected to gain around 119 residents based on current AreaSearch estimates. Given the current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Manly has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure projects and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable among these are Royal Far West (RFW) Neighbourhood Development, Manly Hotel Refurbishment, Wynnum Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct, and Wynnum Plaza Redevelopment. The following details the projects likely to be 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Manly places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Manly's workforce is highly educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.8% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.6%. As of this date, 2,695 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.2 percentage points lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Manly was similar to Greater Brisbane's rate of 64.5%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and construction.

Professional & technical services had particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance was under-represented with only 13.6% of Manly's workforce compared to 16.1% in Greater Brisbane. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 6.6% while labour force increased by 6.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points in Manly. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Manly's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 1 July 2023 for financial year 2023, Manly suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $66,145 and an average income of $85,532. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799 in Greater Brisbane. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $72,700 and average income around $94,008 based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Manly cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income distribution indicates that 26.7% of locals (1,222 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 35.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing expenses account for 13.9% of income, while strong earnings place residents in the 74th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Manly's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.6% houses and 29.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 78.0% houses and 22.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manly stood at 36.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.7% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,200, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. Median weekly rent in Manly was $403, compared to Brisbane metro's $420. Nationally, Manly's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,200 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375 at $403.

Manly has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.3% of all households, including 30.0% couples with children, 29.5% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 27.3% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Manly has a notably high level of educational attainment. Among residents aged 15 and above, 35.1% have university qualifications, surpassing the SA4 region's 23.7% and Queensland's 25.7%. This is particularly evident in bachelor degrees (23.4%), postgraduate qualifications (8.0%), and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.2% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.2%) and certificates (21.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Manly has 24 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services, with a total of 29 individual routes in operation. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 1,876.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 162 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency stands at 268 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 78 weekly trips per individual stop.

Manly's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Manly residents have a relatively positive health profile with common conditions seen across all ages. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (2,796 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.2 and 8.1% respectively. 68.3% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 69.4%. As of 2021, 18.8% of Manly residents are aged 65 and over (860 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 16.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Manly are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in various health metrics.

Manly ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Manly's population shows lower cultural diversity, with 75.2% born in Australia, 88.6% being citizens, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 54.5%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 52.5%. The top three ancestry groups are English (32.3%), Australian (22.4%), and Irish (12.1%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented in Manly at 9.8% compared to the regional average of 8.4%, while French and Welsh ancestries also show higher representation at 0.9% and 0.8% respectively, compared to regional averages of 0.6%.

Manly hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Manly is 46 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's national median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Manly has a higher percentage of residents aged 55-64 (16.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.0%). This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of Manly's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 5.1% to 6.9%, while the 15 to 24 age group increased from 10.5% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 13.3% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Manly's age structure. Notably, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 36%, reaching 431 people from 315. The combined 65+ age groups will account for 67% of total population growth, reflecting Manly's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.