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

The population of the Manly West statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 13,133 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 697 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,436 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,889 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,560 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Manly West's growth of 5.6% since census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 51.0% 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the Manly West expected to increase by 426 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.6% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Manly West had around 23 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 117 homes. As of FY26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $495,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment.

This financial year has seen $49.6 million in commercial approvals, signifying strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Manly West has notably lower building activity, being 58.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. The area's development activity is also under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 78.0% houses). This change reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options.

Manly West has around 732 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a highly mature market. By 2041, it is projected to grow by approximately 209 residents (AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that may impact the area. Major projects include Mayfair Village Shopping Centre Expansion, New Special School on Brisbane's Bayside (scheduled for completion in June 2023), Rivermakers Precinct (expected to start construction in late 2024), and Manly Road Residences (planned for completion by December 2025). The following list details those 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.

Employment conditions in Manly West rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Manly West has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 7,528 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 15.2% employment compared to the regional average of 16.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 6.2% and labour force increased by 5.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This compares to Greater Brisbane where employment grew by 3.8%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows 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%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Manly West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Manly West's median taxpayer income was $60,157 and average income was $77,757. Nationally, these figures were $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. By September 2025, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth, median income is estimated at $66,119 and average at $85,463. Census 2021 data reveals Manly West's incomes cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.3% of residents (3,979 people). After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains for other expenses. Manly West's SEIFA income ranking is in the 7th decile.

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

In Manly West, as per the latest Census evaluation, 78.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 21.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This is similar to Brisbane's metropolitan area, where 78.0% of dwellings are houses and 22.0% are other dwellings. Home ownership in Manly West was higher at 32.9%, compared to mortgaged dwellings at 43.4% and rented ones at 23.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,053, lower than Brisbane's metropolitan average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure in Manly West was $430, slightly higher than Brisbane's metro average of $420. Nationally, Manly West's median monthly mortgage repayment is higher at $2,053 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent is substantially higher at $430 compared to the national figure of $375.

Manly West has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 76.6% of all households, including 36.8% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 23.4%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Brisbane average.

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

Manly West has a higher proportion of residents with university qualifications (27.5%) compared to the broader SA4 region average (23.7%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (24.0%).

Educational participation is notably high in Manly West, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 9.4% 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

Manly West has 50 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 different routes that together facilitate 491 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 209 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 70 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Manly West are marginally below the national average 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 shows below-average health indicators with common conditions being somewhat typical but higher than national averages among older residents.

Approximately 58% (~7,618 people) of Manly West's population has private health cover, which is very high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and asthma (7.7%). About 68.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.4% in Greater Brisbane. Manly West has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.9% (2,482 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.7%. Health outcomes among older residents require 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 was found to be approximately in line with the broader area's average regarding cultural diversity, with 78.2% born in Australia, 88.8% being citizens, and 91.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion in Manly West, accounting for 55.1% of its population, compared to 52.5% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (24.4%), and Irish (9.9%).

Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.2%, Maori 1.1%, and South Africans 0.8% of Manly West's population, each slightly higher than the regional averages of 1.3%, 1.4%, and 0.8% respectively.

Manly West's median age exceeds the national pattern

Manly West has a median age of 41, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 years and slightly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 45-54 age cohort is notably over-represented in Manly West at 15.2%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average. Conversely, the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.0% to 12.0% of the population, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 8.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Manly West's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase dramatically by 467 people (115%), from 407 to 875. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.