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 AreaSearch's analysis, Mansfield's population is around 12,429 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,912 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,517 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,146 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 322 validated new addresses since the Census date. Mansfield's population density is 3.2 persons per square kilometer. Since the 2021 census, Mansfield has grown by 18.2%, exceeding the SA4 region (6.9%) and Rest of Vic., making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using 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. According to these projections, Mansfield's population is expected to decline by 723 persons by 2041. However, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to increase by 182 people over this period.

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

Mansfield has received approximately 103 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totaling 518 homes. As of FY26, 45 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 2.8 new residents are gained per dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are constructed at an average cost of $423,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $27.1 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Mansfield has slightly more development, 18.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, preserving buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

Of new building activity, 95.0% are standalone homes and 5.0% are medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 139 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Despite stable or declining population forecasts, Mansfield may experience less housing pressure, creating favorable conditions for buyers.

Mansfield has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones 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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The labour market in Mansfield demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Mansfield has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 2.7% as of September 2025. There are 5,558 residents employed, with the unemployment rate being 1.1% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is at par with Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

According to Census responses, 18.0% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include construction, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Mansfield has a strong 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 the regional average of 16.8%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Mansfield's labour force decreased by 1.3% and employment decreased by 2.1%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 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 6.0% 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Mansfield SA2 has an income below the national average. The median income is $44,334 and the average income stands at $60,310. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s figures where the median income is $50,954 and the average income is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Mansfield SA2 as of September 2025 would be approximately $47,992 (median) and $65,286 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Mansfield rank modestly, between the 22nd and 32nd percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 30.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 3,753 residents falling into this bracket, similar to the broader area where 30.3% occupy this bracket. While housing costs are modest, with 87.2% of income retained, 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

In Mansfield, as per the latest Census, 95.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Non-Metro Vic., where 90.1% were houses and 9.9% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Mansfield stood at 49.6%, with mortgaged properties at 33.5% and rented ones at 16.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, above Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Mansfield was $320, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Mansfield's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were below 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, including 23.2% couples with children, 36.6% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.7% in primary, 10.4% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

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

Mansfield has 19 active public transport stops serviced by two routes offering 26 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 4210 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward using cars predominantly at 85%, while 12% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 18.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trips 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

Mansfield's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are low across all ages.

Private health cover is lower than the national average at 49% (6,115 people), compared to 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (9.4%) and mental health issues (7.5%), with 67.0% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the rest of Victoria. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. Mansfield has 24.9% seniors (3,098 people), with above-average health rankings for this age group.

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

Mansfield's population showed lower than average cultural diversity, with 87.8% being citizens, 87.5% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.0%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Vic..

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (29.3%), and Irish (10.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish were overrepresented at 9.8% (vs regional 8.8%), Dutch at 1.8% (vs 1.7%), and German at 4.0% (vs 3.5%).

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

Mansfield's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic. average of 43 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 14.9%, while the 35-44 group is smaller at 10.9% compared to Rest of Vic.. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.2% to 11.8%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 9.4% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 group declined from 16.4% to 14.1%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, Mansfield's age composition is expected to change notably. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 33%, reaching 381 people from 287. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups.