Mansfield (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Mansfield are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Mansfield's population is estimated at around 6412 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 871 people (15.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5541 people in the suburb of Mansfield (Vic.). The change is inferred from the resident population of 5772 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 191 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 23 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Mansfield's growth exceeded the SA4 region (6.9%) and the Rest of Vic., marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 65% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, 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. Projections indicate an overall population decline, with the area's population expected to reduce by 303 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, led by the 25 to 34 age group, projected to grow by 95 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Mansfield averaged around 45 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 228 homes were approved with a further 24 so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, approximately 3.3 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed.

Supply has substantially lagged demand, suggesting heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $637,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year, $9.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to Rest of Vic., Mansfield has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 163 people per dwelling approval, Mansfield exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Mansfield has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact this area. Notable projects are Mansfield District Hospital Residential Aged Care Development, Mansfield Common, Mansfield Station Precinct Activation Project, and Alpine Estate Mansfield. The following details 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.8%, Mansfield has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Mansfield has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 2.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,833 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation is at par with Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

Census responses show that 14.4% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment in Mansfield is concentrated in construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance sectors. The area has a notably high concentration in accommodation & food services, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.2% of Mansfield's workforce compared to Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.4%, and employment declined by 2.3% in Mansfield, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.7%, the labour force fell by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mansfield's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 6.1% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, using simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes without considering localised population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 1 July 2023, the suburb of Mansfield had a median income among taxpayers of $45,222 with the average level standing at $61,230. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Rest of Vic., respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $48,953 (median) and $66,281 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 40th percentile ($758 weekly), while household income sits at the 24th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 30.7% of locals (1,968 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the surrounding region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains, ranking at 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 evaluation, 93.0% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 7.0% being other types such as semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. 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 $1,430. The median weekly rent in Mansfield was recorded as $331, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Mansfield's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,603 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $331 compared to the national figure of $375.

Mansfield features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 67.9% of all households, including 24.0% couples with children, 33.5% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 20.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (29.7%). Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.2% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mansfield has two operational public transport stops. These are served by two separate routes, offering a combined total of 26 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is considered limited, with residents located an average of 1160 meters from their nearest stop. Mansfield is predominantly residential, and most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 89% of residents, while walking accounts for 8%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages three trips per day, resulting in approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Mansfield is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Mansfield shows above-average health outcomes as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 51% (~3,275 people) of Mansfield residents have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.4%) and mental health issues (7.7%). Sixty-six point three percent of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes for those under 65 are better than average. Mansfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 25.2% (1,615 people), compared to 23.9% in the rest of Victoria, but this percentage is lower nationally when considering the broader population.

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

Mansfield, as per the census conducted on 27 June 2016, had a population with 88.7% born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 46.5%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented, comprising 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.5%), Australian (29.7%), and Irish (11.3%). Other notable differences included Scottish being overrepresented at 10.0%, Dutch at 1.8%, and German at 3.9%.

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

Mansfield's median age is 46, slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The percentage of people aged 85+ in Mansfield is 3.5%, compared to Rest of Vic., while those aged 15-24 are less prevalent at 10.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group grew from 7.7% to 10.4%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 9.7% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 group declined from 15.0% to 12.5%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 13.5% to 12.3%. By 2041, Mansfield's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 31% (68 people), reaching 293 from 224. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65+ comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts.