Mansfield (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Mansfield are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Mansfield's population, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since Nov 2025, is around 6,030. This figure reflects an increase of 489 people from the 2021 Census population of 5,541, indicating an 8.8% growth in the suburb's population over this period. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 5,486 following examination of ABS ERP data released June 2024 and an additional 188 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population density equates to approximately 22 persons per square kilometer. Mansfield's growth rate exceeded both its SA4 region (5.4%) and non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed about 65% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics indicate a decline in overall population by 298 persons by 2041 according to these projections. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group projected to increase by 100 people over this period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Mansfield among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Mansfield has recorded around 40 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 202 homes were approved, with a further 13 approved so far in FY26. On average, each home built over these years attracts around 3.7 new residents annually, indicating significant demand outpacing supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new homes is $637,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $12.4 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Mansfield shows 12.0% lower construction activity per person while it ranks among the 69th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

New building activity comprises predominantly detached dwellings at 94.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 6.0%, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 193 people per dwelling approval, Mansfield exhibits characteristics of a growth area. However, population projections indicating stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, potentially benefiting potential buyers.

Mansfield has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects are Mansfield District Hospital Residential Aged Care Development, Mansfield Common, Mansfield Station Precinct Activation Project, and Alpine Estate Mansfield. The following 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.

Employment performance in Mansfield has been broadly consistent with national averages

Mansfield has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.7% as of June 2025.

This is 1.1% lower than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Mansfield is similar to that of Rest of Vic., at 57.4%. Residents are predominantly employed in construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance sectors. Notably, accommodation & food services have a high concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has a lower presence, with 11.2% employment compared to the regional average of 16.8%. Mansfield appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison between working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5%, while labour force increased by 1.5% in Mansfield, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Mansfield. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Mansfield's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Mansfield had a median income among taxpayers of $45,222 with the average level standing at $61,230. This is below national averages which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively across Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $50,721 (median) and $68,676 (average). Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 40th percentile with weekly earnings of $758, while household income sits at the 24th percentile. The largest segment comprises 30.7% earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, with 1,851 residents falling into this category, reflecting patterns seen in the region where approximately 30.3% occupy this range. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 27th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Mansfield, as per the latest Census data, 93.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is similar to Non-Metro Vic., where 93.6% of dwellings are houses and 6.4% are other types. Home ownership in Mansfield stood at 45.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.7% and rented ones at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,603, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,500. Weekly rent in Mansfield was recorded at $331, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $280. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Mansfield were lower at $1,603 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mansfield features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 67.9 percent of all households, including 24.0 percent couples with children, 33.5 percent couples without children, and 9.7 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.1 percent, with lone person households at 30.2 percent and group households comprising 2.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Vic.

The educational profile of Mansfield exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate in 2009 was 20.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 14.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.0%). Vocational credentials were prominent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.7% and certificates at 29.7%. Educational participation was high, with 26.8% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.2% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

Mansfield's five schools had a combined enrollment of 1,390 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1025) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix included two primary, one secondary, and two K-12 schools. The area served as an education hub with 23.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 13.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows two active stops in Mansfield served by buses. These stops are covered by four routes offering 40 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport access is rated limited with residents typically 1160 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages five trips per day across all routes, resulting in about twenty weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Mansfield is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Mansfield faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which amounts to about 3,080 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.4% and 7.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 66.3% report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.0% across the rest of Victoria. The area has 25.4% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 1,531 people.

Mansfield is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Mansfield, surveyed in June 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population with 88.7% born there, and 90.9% being citizens. English was spoken exclusively at home by 95.6%. Christianity was the prevalent religion, accounting for 46.5%.

Judaism showed slight overrepresentation at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% in Rest of Vic.. Ancestry-wise, English (31.5%) and Australian (29.7%) were most common, followed by Irish at 11.3%. Scottish ancestry was notably higher at 10.0% compared to the regional average of 9.1%, with Dutch at 1.8% (vs 1.5%) and German at 3.9% (vs 3.4%).

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

Mansfield's median age is 46, which is higher than Victoria's figure of 43 and significantly greater than Australia's norm of 38. The proportion of people aged 85 and over is strong at 3.5%, compared to the Rest of Vic., while those aged 15-24 are less prevalent at 10.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15-24 age group grew from 7.7% to 10.1%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 9.7% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group declined from 15.0% to 13.0%. By 2041, Mansfield's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 39%, reaching 293 people from 211. Meanwhile, the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.