Mansfield (Vic.)

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

Mansfield's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 11,330, reflecting a growth of 813 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 7.7% rise from the previous population count of 10,517. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,324 in June 2025 and an additional 329 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.9 persons per square kilometer. Mansfield's growth rate exceeded both its SA4 region (2.9%) and Rest of Vic., indicating it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicate a decline of 858 persons by 2041, with the 85 and over age group projected to increase by 127 people.

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

Mansfield received around 103 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 518 homes. In FY26 so far, 63 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling accommodated approximately 2.8 residents per year between FY21 and FY25. The average construction cost value of new homes was $423,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

This financial year has seen $27.1 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate commercial development levels. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Mansfield had 16.0% more development per person over the past five years, offering good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. Recently, construction activity has eased slightly.

The majority of new buildings were detached dwellings (95.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remainder (5.0%), preserving Mansfield's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 139 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating an expanding market. Despite stable or declining population forecasts, Mansfield may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Mansfield has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Mansfield District Hospital Residential Aged Care Development, Mansfield Common, Mansfield Station Precinct Activation Project, and Alpine Estate Mansfield. 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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AreaSearch analysis indicates Mansfield maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Mansfield has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 2.8% as of December 2025. There are 5,538 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 0.9% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%.

According to Census responses, 18.0% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in construction, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Mansfield has a particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 10.2%, compared to Regional Vic.'s average of 16.8%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Mansfield's labour force decreased by 3.3% and employment declined by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mansfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The Mansfield SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Mansfield SA2 is $44,334 and the average income stands at $60,310. These figures compare to those of Regional Vic., which are $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Mansfield SA2 would be approximately $48,599 (median) and $66,112 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Mansfield rank modestly, between the 22nd and 32nd percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that the predominant cohort spans 30.2% of locals (3,421 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, mirroring regional levels where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are modest with 87.2% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 27th percentile nationally and 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

As of the latest Census, Mansfield's dwelling structures comprised 95.0% houses and 5.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mansfield stood at 49.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.5% and rented ones at 16.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Mansfield was $320, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Mansfield's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $320 against the national figure of $375.

Mansfield has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.0% of all households, consisting of 23.2% couples with children, 36.6% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.

Mansfield performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 22.3%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.7% in primary, 10.4% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 10.4% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Mansfield shows that there are 19 active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops are served by two individual routes combined, offering a total of 26 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is considered limited, with residents typically residing an average distance of 4210 meters from their nearest stop. As Mansfield is predominantly residential, most commuting patterns show residents traveling outward from the area. The car remains the primary mode of transportation for commuters at a rate of 85%, while walking accounts for 12%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling in Mansfield is 1.7, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 18% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages approximately three trips per day, resulting in about one weekly trip per individual stop.

Mansfield's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data for Mansfield shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions' prevalence is low across all age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 49%, or about 5,574 people, slightly below the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.4% of residents) and mental health issues (7.5%). Notably, 67.0% of Mansfield residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Victoria. Under-65s exhibit better-than-average health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors (26.0%, or 2,941 people) than the regional Victorian average of 23.9%. Senior health outcomes are above average and rank even higher nationally compared to the general population.

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

Mansfield had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 87.8% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (87.5%), and speaking English only at home (95.3%). Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.0% of Mansfield's population. While Judaism was overrepresented compared to Regional Victoria, comprising 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (29.3%), and Irish (10.7%). Notably, Scottish (9.8%) and Dutch (1.8%) were also overrepresented in Mansfield compared to regional averages of 8.8% and 1.7%, respectively. Additionally, German ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 4.0%.

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

Mansfield's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and substantially exceeding the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up a prominent 15.3%, while the 35-44 group comprises only 10.3%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Since 2021, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.2% to 11.9%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 9.4% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 group declined from 16.4% to 14.2%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 12.9% to 11.7%. By 2041, Mansfield's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ population is projected to grow by 47%, reaching 409 people from 278. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 75-84 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.