Manifold Heights (Vic.)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, alongside 4 validated new addresses identified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Manifold Heights has an estimated population of 2,636 as of May 2026. This represents a decline of 45 residents (1.7%) relative to the 2,681 people documented in the 2021 Census. This change is calculated from the resident population of 2,635 estimated by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP release. The current population levels result in a density of 2,804 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile of Australian areas monitored by Districts. Recent population increases were largely driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 52.0% of total gains.

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The suburb of Manifold Heights is characterized by an educated workforce and strong representation in essential services, alongside a low unemployment rate of 3.6% derived from Districts statistical aggregations. By March 2026, the employed resident count reached 1,402. This local unemployment rate is 0.1% lower than the Regional Vic. rate of 3.7%, while the participation rate is high at 70.1% compared to the regional average of 61.1%. In the Census, a significant 26.1% of working residents reported working from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic restrictions.

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Compiled ATO records at the postcode level for financial year 2023 reveal that taxpayers in the suburb of Manifold Heights recorded a median income of $61,222 and an average income of $77,805. These figures exceed the national averages and compare to Regional Vic. levels of $50,954 and $62,728. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 stand at roughly $67,112 for the median and $85,290 for the average. 2021 Census data indicates that individual incomes are in the 77th percentile ($984 per week), whereas household incomes are in the 54th percentile. Income distribution details show that the largest cohort, comprising 28.8% of taxpayers or 759 people, falls into the - bracket, similar to the wider region where this bracket accounts for of taxpayers. Approximately of household income remains after meeting housing costs, placing the area in the th decile of the SEIFA index.

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According to the latest Census, the residential landscape in the suburb of Manifold Heights consisted of 74.4% separate houses and 25.6% semi-detached dwellings, apartments, or other formats, compared to Regional Vic. where separate houses represent 90.1% and other structures make up 9.9%. Fully owned properties accounted for 33.0% of dwellings, with mortgaged properties at 34.8% and rented homes at 32.3%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,990 was higher than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, while the median weekly rent was $310 compared to $285 regionally. Nationally, mortgage repayments exceed the Australian median of $1,863, while weekly rents remain lower than the national median of $375.

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Family households constitute 66.1% of the local dwelling occupancy, consisting of couples with children at 33.0%, couples without children at 24.0%, and single parent households at 8.5%. Non-family households represent the remaining 33.9%, which includes single person dwellings at 31.2% and group houses at 2.8%. The median household occupancy of 2.4 residents aligns with the Regional Vic. average.

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The suburb of Manifold Heights shows high levels of educational attainment, with 39.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university qualification. This compares to 21.7% in the Rest of Vic. and 27.3% in the wider SA3 region. Undergraduates holding bachelor degrees account for 26.0% of residents, followed by 8.5% with postgraduate degrees and 4.6% with graduate diplomas. Vocational education is also common, with 30.7% of the population aged 15 and over holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 18.6%.

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An analysis of public transport options reveals 17 active stops located within the suburb of Manifold Heights. These stops are served by 3 distinct routes, which accommodate a total of 639 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is high, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 155 meters. As a residential suburb, most workers travel outside the area for employment, with private vehicles remaining the primary transport method at 90%, and 5% of residents walking. The average number of motor vehicles per dwelling is 1.3, which is lower than the Regional Vic. average. A high proportion of residents, 26.1%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, reflecting pandemic-related working arrangements.

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Health indicators for the suburb of Manifold Heights are positive, with mortality rates and chronic illness statistics tracking in line with national levels. The prevalence of common illnesses remains low in the broader population, though it exceeds national averages among older, higher-risk groups. Private health insurance is common, covering approximately 58% of the population, or about 1,516 people, compared to 50.5% across Regional Vic..

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The suburb of Manifold Heights has a lower level of cultural diversity than average, with 86.4% of residents born in Australia, 90.5% holding citizenship, and 89.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 53.2% of the population. The most pronounced religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.2% of the population compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic..

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The median age of residents in the suburb of Manifold Heights is 38, which is lower than the Regional Vic. average of 43 and identical to the national average of 38. The 35 - 44 age bracket accounts for 16.8% of the population, which is a higher proportion than in Regional Vic., while the 65 - 74 bracket is smaller at 8.7%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 rose from 14.8% to 16.8%, and the 25 to 34 bracket grew from 12.6% to 14.1%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 group declined from 13.2% to 11.7%, and the to group decreased from to . Demographic projections indicate the local age profile will shift by led by a increase in the to group, which is expected to rise by people from to while the to group will grow by , adding only residents.

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Manifold Heights currently has an estimated 166 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 117 children aged 0-2 and 78 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 2% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 35% by 2041 (to approximately 224 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 238. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 14.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.