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 was around 12,373 as of November 2025. This showed an increase of 1,856 people from the 2021 Census figure of 10,517. The growth was inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses between June 2024 and the Census date. This resulted in a population density of 3.2 persons per square kilometer. Mansfield's 17.6% growth since the 2021 census surpassed the SA4 region (5.4%) and non-metro areas, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.2% to 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 uncovered areas, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments made via weighted aggregation 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 723 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, notably the 25 to 34 age group projected to increase by 182 people.

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, totalling 518 homes. As of FY26, 37 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling accommodates 2.8 residents per year, indicating strong demand for housing in Mansfield between FY21 and FY25. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $423,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties.

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

Most new dwellings are detached houses (95%), preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 139 people per dwelling approval in Mansfield, indicating an expanding market. Despite stable or declining population forecasts, Mansfield may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for 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 14 projects likely to impact the area. Key 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 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 2.7% as of September 2025. It has 5,558 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 1.1% lower than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to the regional average at 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in construction, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Mansfield specializes in accommodation & food employment, with a share 1.7 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has 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% while employment declined by 2.1%, increasing unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. had an employment decline of 0.7% and a marginal rise in unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The Mansfield SA2 had an income level below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers in Mansfield was $43,075 and the average income stood at $58,322. These figures compared to those of Rest of Vic., which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $48,313 (median) and $65,414 (average). Census data from 2021 showed household, family and personal incomes in Mansfield ranked modestly, between the 22nd and 32nd percentiles. The earnings profile indicated that 30.2% of locals (3,736 people) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to regional levels where 30.3% occupied this bracket. Housing costs were modest with 87.2% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranked at just the 27th percentile nationally and 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

The dwelling structure in Mansfield, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.0% houses and 5.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.6% houses and 6.4% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Mansfield was higher at 49.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.5%) or rented (16.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s average, while the median weekly rent figure stood at $320 compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $280. Nationally, Mansfield's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mansfield has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 aligns with the average in the Rest of Vic.

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, including 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

Public transport analysis reveals 19 active transport stops operating within Mansfield. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 40 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 4210 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 5 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 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 across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 6,050 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.4% and 7.5% of residents respectively. Approximately 67.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.0% across the rest of Victoria. Mansfield has 25.2% of residents aged 65 and over (around 3,115 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Mansfield are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Mansfield has a cultural diversity profile as follows: 87.8% citizens, 87.5% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion at 44.0%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are English (31.8%), Australian (29.3%), and Irish (10.7%). Notable divergences include Scottish (9.8% vs regional 9.1%), Dutch (1.8% vs 1.5%), and German (4.0% vs 3.4%).

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

Mansfield's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than Victoria's average of 43 and substantially exceeding the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, comprising 15.0% of the population, while the 35-44 age group is smaller at 10.6%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.2% to 11.5%, and the 25-34 cohort has increased from 9.4% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 16.4% to 14.5%. By 2041, Mansfield's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 381 people from 288. 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.