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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of May 2026, Mansfield's estimated population is around 6,085. This reflects a growth of 544 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,541. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,083 residents following examination of ABS' June 2025 ERP data release and an additional 196 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 22 persons per square kilometer. Mansfield's growth rate of 9.8% exceeded both the SA4 region (2.9%) and Rest of Vic., indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using 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 a decline in overall population by 349 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are expected to grow, with an increase of 92 people projected.

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, shows Mansfield averaged around 45 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 225 homes were approved, with a further 34 approved so far in FY26. This suggests solid demand, supporting property values, as approximately 2.7 people moved to the area per new home constructed annually over these years.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $637,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, $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 inline with regional patterns.

Recent construction comprises 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 161 people per dwelling approval, Mansfield shows characteristics of a growth area. However, population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Mansfield has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones 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 and an unemployment rate of 2.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2,876 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.8% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Mansfield is somewhat below standard at 58.5%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%.

A moderate 14.4% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance sectors. Mansfield 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 Regional Vic.'s 16.8%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.3%, while employment declined by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.6%, the labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mansfield's employment mix suggests 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.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Mansfield had a median income among taxpayers of $45,222. The average income was $61,230. Both figures are lower than national averages of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively for Regional Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $49,572 and $67,120 respectively. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 40th percentile ($758 weekly), while household income was at the 24th percentile. In Mansfield, 30.7% of locals (1,868 people) had incomes in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region at 30.3%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remained, ranking at the 27th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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, 93.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Regional Victoria's figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mansfield stood at 45.4%, with mortgaged properties making up 32.7% and rented dwellings accounting for 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,603, surpassing Regional Victoria's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Mansfield was recorded at $331, compared to Regional Victoria's $285. Nationally, Mansfield's mortgage repayments were lower than 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households making up 30.2% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional 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 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 held by 42.4% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.7% and certificates at 29.7%. Educational participation was high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This included 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 active public transport stops. These are served by two different routes, offering a total of 26 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited, with residents typically living 1160 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (89%), while 8% walk. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions among its general population is low but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 51% (~3,108 people) of Mansfield's total population has 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 being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% in Regional Victoria. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. Mansfield has 26.6% (1,618 people) of its residents aged 65 and over, higher than Regional Victoria's 23.9%, but lower nationally compared to 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.7% of its population born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Mansfield, comprising 46.5% of the population. However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation, making up 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three represented ancestry groups were English (31.5%), Australian (29.7%), and Irish (11.3%). There were notable divergences in the representation of Scottish (10.0% vs regional 8.8%), Dutch (1.8% vs 1.7%), and German (3.9% vs 3.5%) ethnic groups.

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

Mansfield's median age is 46, which is slightly higher than Regional Victoria's figure of 43 and significantly greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 13.9% of Mansfield's population, compared to Regional Vic., while the 15-24 cohort constitutes only 10.3%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15-24 age group increased from 7.7% to 10.3%, and the 25-34 cohort rose from 9.7% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort decreased from 15.0% to 12.8%, and the 5-14 group fell from 13.5% to 12.2%. By 2041, Mansfield's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 40%, reaching 323 people from 231. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 75-84 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.