Manly West (Qld)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census Manly West's population is estimated at around 12,959 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 523 people (4.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,436 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,948, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,526 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by Districts. Manly West's 4.2% growth since census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Manly West possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and 3.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 7,548 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.3%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (73.8% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 22.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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According to Districts' aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Manly West had a median income among taxpayers of $60,157 with the average level standing at $77,757. This is well above average nationally and compares to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $66,991 (median) and $86,590 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Manly West cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.3% of residents (3,926 people), reflecting patterns seen the metropolitan region where similarly occupy this range. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with earning over per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing, of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Manly West, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 78.1% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Manly West was well beyond that of Brisbane metro, at 32.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (43.4%) or rented (23.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Brisbane metro average at $2,053, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Manly West's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 76.6% of all households, comprising 36.8% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.4%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Brisbane average.

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University qualifications in Manly West (27.5% of residents aged 15+) edge above the SA4 region average (23.7%), suggesting competitive educational foundations within the broader context. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (24.0%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 50 active transport stops operating within Manly West comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 491 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 209 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 22.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Manly West, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~7,517 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

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Manly West was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 78.2% of its population born in Australia, 88.8% being citizens, and 91.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Manly West was found to be Christianity, which makes up 55.1% of people in Manly West. This compares to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

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With a median age of 41, Manly West is considerably higher than the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, the 45 - 54 cohort is notably over-represented (15.1% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.0%). In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.0% to 12.6% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 8.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Manly West's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to surge dramatically, expanding by 461 people () from to . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the to and to cohorts are expected to experience population declines.

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Manly West currently has an estimated 673 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 406 children aged 0-2 and 270 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 5% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 18% by 2041 (to approximately 549 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,421. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.