Manning - Waterford
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Manning - Waterford reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Manning - Waterford's population is around 13,005 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,352 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,653. The change is inferred from ABS estimates of 12,992 in June 2024 and 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level equates to a density ratio of 2,111 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Manning - Waterford's growth of 11.6% since 2021 exceeded both national (8.6%) and SA3 area averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch uses growth rates provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future trends project an above median population growth across statistical areas nationally, with Manning - Waterford expected to expand by 2,472 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Manning - Waterford among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Manning-Waterford has averaged approximately 63 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 315 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-2021 to FY-2025, and 10 approved so far in FY-2026. On average, 3.2 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating significant demand outpacing supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $825,000, reflecting developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $26.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Perth, Manning-Waterford records 19.0% less building activity per person, while it ranks among the 58th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes.

The location has approximately 297 people per dwelling approval, suggesting potential for growth. By 2041, Manning-Waterford is projected to grow by 2,459 residents. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

Manning - Waterford has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 14 such projects that may impact this area. Notable ones include the Canning City Centre Regeneration Program, Westfield Carousel Expansion, Queens Park Regional Open Space and State Football Centre, and Australian Hockey Centre. The following list details those most likely to be relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

The labour market in Manning - Waterford demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Manning-Waterford has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 3.7% as of a certain date.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.4%. As of June 2025, 7105 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.2% below Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Manning-Waterford lagged significantly at 60.1%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

The area showed notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Construction employed only 6.4% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 9.3%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 3.4%, labour force grew by 3.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7% and an increase in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 showed WA employment contracted by 0.82%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Manning-Waterford's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.8%% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch reports median taxpayer income in Manning - Waterford was $52,793 and average income was $75,169, based on latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. These figures are higher than national averages of $58,380 and $78,020 in Greater Perth. As of March 2025, estimated median income is approximately $58,922 and average income is $83,896, accounting for Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Manning - Waterford's household income ranks at the 75th percentile ($2,146 weekly) and personal income at the 50th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 25.2% earning $4,000+ weekly (3,277 residents), differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 32.0%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 37.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income and strong earnings rank residents within the 78th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Manning - Waterford is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Manning-Waterford's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.1% houses and 15.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasted with Perth metro's figures of 49.3% houses and 50.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manning-Waterford stood at 38.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.7% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Perth metro's average of $2,200. The median weekly rent in Manning-Waterford was $341, compared to Perth metro's $360. Nationally, Manning-Waterford's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $341 compared to the national figure of $375.

Manning - Waterford features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.2% of all households, including 35.2% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 22.1% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.2.

Educational attainment in Manning - Waterford aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

In Manning-Waterford, the proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is significantly higher than broader averages. Specifically, 44.7% of residents have such qualifications compared to 27.9% in Western Australia and 29.9% in the SA4 region. This educational advantage is notable for its substantial size and positions Manning-Waterford well for opportunities that require a strong knowledge base. Bachelor degrees are the most common type of university qualification held, with 29.0% of residents possessing one.

Postgraduate qualifications follow at 11.7%, with graduate diplomas at 4.0%. Vocational pathways also contribute significantly to educational attainment in Manning-Waterford, accounting for 24.4% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above. This includes advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (13.6%). Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 33.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in tertiary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 8.1% pursuing primary education. Manning-Waterford's four schools have a combined enrollment reaching 2,025 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with an ICSEA score of 995, indicating balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes two primary schools, one secondary school, and one K-12 school.

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

Transport analysis shows 81 active stops operating in Manning-Waterford area, serving mixed bus routes. These stops are covered by 8 individual routes, facilitating 2,108 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 163 meters from nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 301 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 26 weekly trips per stop.

Manning - Waterford'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

Manning-Waterford residents show relatively positive health outcomes. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover rate is high at approximately 57% (~7,425 people), compared to Greater Perth's 67.8%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (7.1%) and mental health issues (6.5%). 72.3% of residents declare no medical ailments, similar to Greater Perth's 72.6%. As of 2021, 20.8% (~2,708 people) of residents are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with the general population's health profile.

Manning - Waterford is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Manning-Waterford scores highly in cultural diversity with 25.9% speaking a language other than English at home, and 37.8% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, at 51.0%. Buddhism shows overrepresentation at 4.5%, compared to Greater Perth's 3.4%.

Top ancestry groups are English (24.3%), Australian (19.9%), and Chinese (11.7%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: French is overrepresented at 0.7% (vs regional 0.7%), Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.9%), and Croatian at 0.8% (vs 0.8%).

Manning - Waterford's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Manning - Waterford is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The 15-24 cohort is over-represented at 18.4% locally compared to the Greater Perth average, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 11.9%. This concentration of the 15-24 cohort is higher than the national average of 12.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has grown from 16.0% to 18.4%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 11.6% to 9.6%, and the 45-54 age group dropped from 12.4% to 11.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Manning - Waterford, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 74% (640 people), reaching 1,511 from 870. The population of residents aged 65 and older is anticipated to represent 58% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.