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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Manly (Qld) has an estimated 4,578 residents, up from 4,273 at the 2021 Census — a change of 305 people, or 7.1%. Growth has averaged 0.7% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 100.0% of that increase. That puts 2,119 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Manly (Qld) has a resident count estimated at approximately 4,578, according to AreaSearch evaluations combining broader ABS demographic updates with post-Census address validations. This indicates a 7.1% rise (adding 305 people) above the 4,273 people counted during the 2021 Census. AreaSearch established this trajectory by assessing the ABS ERP release from June 2025 (which indicated 4,510 residents) along with 58 validated new addresses registered following the Census. Consequently, population density stands at 2,119 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical benchmark across nationwide regions evaluated by AreaSearch.
Moreover, the 7.1% post-census expansion in the suburb of Manly (Qld) sits merely 0.1 percentage points from the broader SA3 area (7.2%), highlighting competitive demographic momentum. Net gains across the community were almost exclusively generated by international migration inflows in recent times. Projections utilised by AreaSearch incorporate 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia figures pegged to 2022 as the base period for individual SA2 localities. Where SA2 coverage is absent or extends beyond 2032, 2023 Queensland State Government SA2 series referencing 2021 numbers are implemented. Because state models omit specific age divisions, AreaSearch applies cohort weightings aligned with the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region release (utilising 2022 benchmarks). Under these combined SA2 trajectories, the suburb of Manly (Qld) is tracking toward lower-quartile growth relative to nationwide averages, projected to add 162 persons by 2041, representing a cumulative 2.0% expansion across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
108 new dwellings have been approved in Manly (Qld) over the past five years, an average of 21 a year. That places the area in the 62nd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 5 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 42 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 31% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 133, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch shows the suburb recorded approximately 21 residential approvals annually, delivering roughly 108 homes across the last 5 financial years. In FY-25 to date, 133 approvals have been logged. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of only 0.7 people arrived per newly constructed dwelling each year, demonstrating that new residential construction is matching or outpacing incoming demographic requirements, thereby expanding buyer options and accommodating future resident capacity. Newly approved residential dwellings carry an estimated construction cost of $578,000 on average—moderately above the broader regional figure—indicating an emphasis on premium builds.
Concurrently, $3.0 million in non-residential commercial approvals were registered this financial year, underscoring the predominantly residential focus of the precinct. Per capita residential approvals in the locality outpace Greater Brisbane by 124.0%, providing prospective purchasers with greater variety. Recent residential development activity comprises 31.0% freestanding houses alongside 69.0% townhouses and multi-unit apartments. This higher volume of attached, medium-density housing creates accessible price points suited to first-home buyers, investors, and downsizing households. Such activity marks a significant pivot from the existing local stock (where houses represent 71.0%), answering shifting lifestyle choices, addressing affordability pressures, and reflecting constrained land availability for detached housing. Overall, the market remains active with approximately 59 people per dwelling approval. Longer-term demographic modeling projects an influx of 94 residents through to 2041 based on the most recent quarterly calculation from AreaSearch. If prevailing building volumes continue, upcoming residential supply will comfortably absorb anticipated demand, preserving favorable purchasing conditions and potentially accommodating expansion beyond projected population numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Manly (Qld)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Manly (Qld), worth an estimated $230 million. A further 61 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $6.9 billion. 14 are already under construction and 18 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, business parks & technology hubs and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Major planning strategies, infrastructure undertakings, and public works play a central role in shaping local performance. AreaSearch has highlighted 4 projects expected to influence the surrounding precinct, notably the Royal Far West (RFW) Neighbourhood Development, the Manly Hotel Refurbishment, the Wynnum Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct, and the Wynnum Plaza Redevelopment.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
BMD Group Headquarters
Construction of BMD Group's new six-storey national headquarters in Wynnum. The development will accommodate around 450 employees and includes ground-floor retail, cafes, community spaces and end-of-trip facilities. The design incorporates architectural references to the historic Wynnum Baptist Church that formerly occupied the site, following its relocation to Iona College in 2023. Development approval was granted in late 2022 and BMD subsequently announced construction would commence.
Bric Housing Social Housing Development - Wynnum (Emsworth St)
Six-storey social housing development delivering 50 apartments (mix of 1- and 2-bedroom) with rooftop communal space and ground-level landscaping. The project was advanced via a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) and will be managed by Bric Housing, with Niclin Developments as delivery partner. Site fronts Emsworth St with vehicle access from Henry St, close to Wynnum train station and services.
358 Manly Road Townhouse Development
30 low-medium density townhouses in 8 building groups. Comprises 25 x 3-bedroom and 5 x 2-bedroom units. Designed by Christian Zambelli with communal spaces and visitor parking.
The Manly Hotel Refurbishment
Refurbishment and modernization of the Manly Hotel, including upgrades to dining, bar, gaming, function and accommodation areas while retaining the venue's established character. The hotel is operating following completion of the refurbishment.
Ora - 27-Storey Mixed-Use Development (Withdrawn)
HamBros proposed 130 million AUD 27-storey mixed-use development at 74 Charlotte Street and 89 Bay Terrace featuring 275 apartments, retail space, two levels of commercial space, and recreational facilities with bay views. Project withdrawn due to escalating construction costs, uncertainty from upcoming Council election, and Council requests for changes in building design and impact management.
Wynnum Road and Hemmant-Tingalpa Road Intersection Upgrade
Major intersection upgrade installing new traffic lights with signalised crossing facilities, modified centre islands, dedicated turn pockets, and signalised U-turn facilities. Jointly funded by Brisbane City Council and Australian Government Roads to Recovery Program.
Wynnum Plaza Redevelopment
DA approved integrated retail mixed-use redevelopment of Wynnum Plaza by Shayher Group, designed by ZENX Architects. The masterplan covers the existing sub-regional shopping centre site and includes new lifestyle retail precincts, food and beverage areas, residential apartments, commercial space and a cinema, with works planned to be staged so the centre can continue operating.
Mayfair Village Shopping Centre Expansion
The expansion of Mayfair Village involves a 475sqm addition to the existing neighbourhood shopping centre. The development features a two-level extension in the north-east corner, providing new retail tenancies and a drive-thru facility. The project aims to improve streetscape activation and pedestrian connectivity along Burnett Street while maintaining the existing parking capacity of 348 vehicles.
2,694 residents of Manly (Qld) are employed, from a labour force of 2,765. Unemployment sits at 2.5%, with participation at 72.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,499, about 76% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
A well-qualified workforce characterizes the area, marked by a substantial concentration of professional services, a low unemployment rate of 2.5%, and an estimated 3.8% annual rise in workforce positions per AreaSearch regional analysis. Total employed persons stood at 2,694 as of March 2026. Local joblessness sits 1.8% below the 4.3% reported for Greater Brisbane, while labor force participation is solid at 72.6% (relative to 70.1% across Greater Brisbane). Furthermore, Census records show that 27.3% of workers operated from home, though this figure reflects prevailing Covid-19 restrictions at the time. Local employment is primarily oriented around professional & technical roles, health care & social assistance, and the construction industry.
Professional & technical representation is especially pronounced, tracking at 1.3 times the wider regional baseline. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for 13.6% of local jobs compared to 16.1% across the region. Comparisons between Census resident counts and local employment numbers suggest that this predominantly residential district provides relatively limited on-site employment opportunities. Employment statistics for the year ending March 2026 show that Manly experienced a 3.8% increase in employment levels and a 4.1% expansion in the labour force, which led to a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. These figures contrast with Greater Brisbane, where employment grew by 3.2%, the labour force expanded by 3.4%, and unemployment increased by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts for the period starting Mar-26 provide additional context regarding anticipated future demand in Manly. These projections span five and ten-year intervals and have been aligned with Manly's current employment structure to estimate future growth trajectories. National employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and by 13.7% over ten years, though growth varies considerably across different industry sectors. When these sector-specific forecasts are applied to Manly's existing employment composition, the area is expected to see a 6.7% increase in employment over five years and a 13.7% increase over ten years. This calculation uses a basic weighting method for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate local population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Manly (Qld) is $2,079 a week (about $108,000 a year), with median personal income at $986 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $66,145 a year against an average of $85,532. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Aggregated ATO records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place local earnings among the upper tiers nationally. The suburb recorded a median taxpayer earnings figure of $66,145 and an average of $85,532, distinctly higher than the Greater Brisbane benchmarks of $58,236 and $72,799. Adjusting for an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 produces updated estimates of approximately $73,659 (median) and $95,248 (average) as of March 2026. Across personal, family, and household levels, Census earnings sit near the 73rd percentile across Australia. The most common individual bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, taking in 26.7% of residents (1,222 people), comparable to the 33.3% regional proportion.
High-earning households generating over $3,000 weekly comprise 35.1% of all homes, underpinning strong local expenditure capacity. Housing outlays absorb 13.9% of income, positioning residents in the 74th percentile for disposable funds and placing the suburb in the 8th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Manly (Qld) had 1,675 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 71% detached houses and 16% apartments. 33% are owned with a mortgage, 31% rented and 37% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $403 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,200 a month. Rent absorbs 19.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census structural profiles indicate that separate houses make up 70.6% of local dwellings, with 29.3% consisting of apartments, semi-detached residences, and other configurations, compared with 73.5% standalone houses and 26.5% other housing types throughout Brisbane metro. Outright property ownership stands at 36.8%, well above the metropolitan rate, while 32.7% of residences are being purchased under a mortgage and 30.5% are rented. Median monthly home loan repayments were $2,200, exceeding the Brisbane metro mark of $1,863 and the broader Australian average of $1,863. Median weekly rentals were $403, surpassing the metropolitan figure of $380 as well as the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Manly (Qld) counted 1,675 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,795 today, averaging 2.4 people each. 30% are couples with children, against 30% couples without children. 27% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the bulk of the community at 70.3%, comprising couples with children (30.0%), couples without children (29.5%), and single parent families (10.0%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 29.7%, consisting of 27.3% lone-person dwellings and 2.3% group residences. Average household occupancy sits at 2.4 people, slightly below the 2.6 recorded across Greater Brisbane.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
35.1% of adults in Manly (Qld) hold a university qualification, including 23.4% with a bachelor degree and 8.0% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 81% of areas nationally. A further 21.0% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 1,332 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,073 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Academic credentials in the locality exceed broader regional and state standards, with 35.1% of residents aged 15+ possessing university qualifications, relative to 23.7% across the SA4 region and 25.7% throughout QLD. This strong educational profile supports engagement in knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees represent the largest category at 23.4%, alongside postgraduate qualifications at 8.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Technical and practical skills are also widely held, with vocational credentials held by 34.2% of residents aged 15+ (comprising 21.0% in certificates and 13.2% in advanced diplomas). Active participation in study is pronounced, with 28.1% of the population engaged in educational programs.
Breaking this down, primary schooling accounts for 9.7%, secondary education represents 7.9%, and 5.3% are enrolled in tertiary courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Manly (Qld) means driving: households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.3% of residents in Manly (Qld) report no long-term health condition. 4.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 61.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Local health indicators show positive results across the population, with AreaSearch analysis of mortality statistics and chronic condition prevalence indicating lower incidence of common ailments across both older and younger demographics. Approximately 61% of residents (2,796 people) hold private health insurance, a rate well above the 55.8% registered for Greater Brisbane and the 55.7% national benchmark. The primary diagnosed ailments in the community are arthritis (8.2%) and mental health issues (8.1%), while 68.3% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health measures across working-age cohorts align with typical standards.
Residents aged 65 and over total 851 people (18.6% of the population), outpacing the 15.0% proportion across Greater Brisbane. Senior cohorts maintain particularly robust health ratings, tracking closely with wider national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Manly (Qld) is largely Australian-born, at 75.2% of residents, with 5.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.3%) and Australian (22.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures indicate a relatively homogeneous community: 75.2% of residents were born in Australia, 88.6% hold Australian citizenship, and 94.1% speak exclusively English at home. Christianity is the predominant faith, accounting for 54.5% of residents, which sits above the 47.8% recorded across Greater Brisbane. Looking at parental heritage, the three most prevalent ancestries are English (32.3%, well above the 26.8% regional share), Australian (22.4%), and Irish (12.1%). Notable variations are also apparent across other cultural backgrounds, with Scottish heritage recorded at 9.8% (against 7.4% regionally), French at 0.9% (against 0.5%), and Welsh at 0.8% (against 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Manly (Qld) is 46, older than 82% of areas nationally. 20.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic structure reflects an established, mature family profile. August 2026 figures show that 34.0% of the population falls into the middle-aged and early retiree bracket (45 - 64), compared with 22.6% throughout Greater Brisbane, while young to middle-aged adults (25 - 44) make up 19.4% against 30.6% across the broader region. As of August 2026, the estimated median age is 46, remaining steady with the 2021 Census, which placed the suburb 10 years above Greater Brisbane's 36 and higher than the national median of 38 at that Census. Projections to 2041 indicate that expansion will be heavily driven by retirees and seniors (65+), adding 188 residents (22%) to reach 1,040, whereas young to middle-aged adults, along with children and young adults, are projected to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Manly (Qld)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 2 months ago all 3 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 58 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (4,273 at the 2021 Census → 4,578 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL31748). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.