Manning - Waterford

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Manning - Waterford's population is around 13,010 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,357 people (11.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,653 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,992 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,112 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Manning - Waterford's 11.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 86.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 2,472 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 18.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Manning - Waterford has averaged around 63 new dwelling approvals per year, with 315 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 18 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.2 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $389,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $26.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Perth, Manning - Waterford shows 19.0% lower construction activity (per person) while it places among the 58th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 297 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Looking ahead, Manning - Waterford is expected to grow by 2,454 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping a reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Manning - Waterford has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 12 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Sam Kerr Football Centre and Queens Park Regional Open Space, Australian Hockey Centre, Henley Rise, and Westfield Booragoon Shopping Centre Expansion, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Manning - Waterford possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and 1.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,109 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (65.4% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. In contrast, construction employs just 6.4% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 9.3%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.8% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.3%, labour force growth of 2.6%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Manning - Waterford. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Manning - Waterford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Manning - Waterford SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,477 with the average level standing at $77,857. This is well above average nationally and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,718 (median) and $85,347 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 74th percentile ($2,146 weekly), while personal income sits at the 50th percentile. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 25.2% earning $4000+ weekly (3,278 residents), diverging from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 32.0%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 37.1% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 77th percentile for disposable income and 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

Dwelling structure within Manning - Waterford, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.1% houses and 15.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Manning - Waterford was well beyond that of Perth metro, at 38.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.7%) or rented (26.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Perth metro average at $2,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $341, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Manning - Waterford's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Manning - Waterford features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 73.2% of all households, comprising 35.2% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 22.1% and group households comprising 4.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Perth average.

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

Educational attainment in Manning - Waterford significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 27.9% in WA and 29.9% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 29.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational pathways account for 24.4% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (13.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 78 active transport stops operating within Manning - Waterford, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 2,123 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 163 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 79%, with 8% by train and 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 11.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 303 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

Manning - Waterford's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Manning - Waterford's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~7,545 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.1 and 6.5% of residents, respectively, while 72.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 21.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,807 people), which is higher than the 16.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Manning - Waterford was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Manning - Waterford scores highly on cultural diversity, with 25.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 37.8% born overseas. The main religion in Manning - Waterford is Christianity, which makes up 51.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 4.5% of the population, compared to 2.7% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Manning - Waterford are English, comprising 24.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.9% of the population, and Chinese, comprising 11.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.0%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 0.7% of Manning - Waterford (vs 0.5% regionally), Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.7%) and Croatian at 0.8% (vs 0.8%).

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

The 39-year median age in Manning - Waterford is somewhat higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and similarly very close to the 38-year national average. Compared to the Greater Perth average, the 15 - 24 cohort is notably over-represented (18.4% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (9.4%). This 15 - 24 concentration is well above the national 12.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 16.0% to 18.4% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 11.1% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 9.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.4% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Manning - Waterford. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 65% (595 people), reaching 1,511 from 915. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 55% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.