Manor Lakes

Manor Lakes lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of Manor Lakes as of Feb 2026 is around 15,257. This reflects an increase of 2,582 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,675. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 14,765 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 951 persons per square kilometer, roughly inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Manor Lakes' growth rate of 20.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future projections anticipate exceptional growth, placing Manor Lakes in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with an expected increase of 13,029 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 82.2% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Manor Lakes was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Manor Lakes averaged around 314 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 1572 homes. So far in FY-26201 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 gained approximately 2.1 new residents per year, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $370,000. This financial year has seen $791,000 in commercial development approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential growth. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Manor Lakes shows 52% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area's prospects. Recent construction comprises 96% detached houses and 4% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of around 39 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, Manor Lakes is expected to grow by approximately 12537 residents through to 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate.

Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Manor Lakes has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect a region's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects expected to impact the area. Notable ones include Savana Estate, Manor Lakes Park Hub - Bunnings & Retail Precinct, Parkbrook, and Manor Lakes Estate Development. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Manor Lakes has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Manor Lakes has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.5% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.6%. As of December 2025, 8,272 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation is high at 84.2%, above the regional average of 71.3%. Census data shows 36.6% of residents work from home. Key industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Finance & insurance has a strong presence with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while construction is less prominent at 6.9%, compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 3.6% and labour force by 4.5%, raising unemployment by 0.9 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 2.4%, labour force expanded by 2.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's 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 Manor Lakes' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

In Manor Lakes, the median income among taxpayers was $55,011 during financial year 2023. The average income was $63,972 in that period. Both figures were below the national averages. In Greater Melbourne, the median income was $57,688 and the average was $75,164. By September 2025, estimates suggest Manor Lakes' median income would be approximately $59,549 and the average around $69,250, based on an 8.25% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Manor Lakes ranked between the 73rd and 83rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The majority of residents (6,652 people) earned between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, which was also the dominant earnings bracket in the region at 32.8%. High weekly earnings exceeding $3,000 were achieved by 30.8% of households, indicating strong consumer spending power despite high housing costs consuming 16.6% of income. Despite this, disposable income ranked at the 81st percentile and Manor Lakes' SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Manor Lakes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Manor Lakes' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.0% houses and 5.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manor Lakes stood at 8.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 65.2% and rented ones at 26.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in the area was $360, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Manor Lakes' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 88.9% of all households, including 58.3% couples with children, 18.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 11.1%, with lone person households at 8.8% and group households making up 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 3.3 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Manor Lakes has a higher percentage of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications compared to Australia and the SA4 region. Specifically, 43.1% of Manor Lakes residents have university degrees, while Australia's average is 30.4% and the SA4 region's is 32.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 14.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.1% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (16.4%).

Educational participation is high in Manor Lakes, with 36.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.5% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Manor Lakes has 39 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 7 different routes that collectively facilitate 2,675 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 412 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode at 77%, while trains account for 18%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a high 36.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 382 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 68 weekly trips per individual stop.

Manor Lakes'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

Manor Lakes' health metrics are close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover rate is approximately 52% of the total population (~7,954 people), leading the average SA2 area, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, impacting 6.9 and 5.9% of residents respectively. 80.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 4.9% of residents aged 65 and over (747 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Manor Lakes is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Manor Lakes has a culturally diverse population, with 54.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 52.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Manor Lakes, comprising 34.3% of its population. Hinduism is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's average, making up 25.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (23.9%), Indian (21.4%), and Australian (14.9%). Notably, Filipino (3.9%) and Maltese (1.5%) ethnicities are also overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Manor Lakes hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Manor Lakes has a median age of 32 years, which is younger than both the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Manor Lakes has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (23.9%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (5.3%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 45 to 54 age group has increased from 9.7% to 11.2%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 10.9% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 17.7% to 13.1%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Manor Lakes' age profile by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort showing the strongest projected growth of 137%, adding 2,346 residents to reach a total of 4,055.