Mansfield

Mansfield is far older than the state and national averages, with 25.9% of people aged 65 and over, a figure that rose 7.2 points since 2011. The population grew by 29% over the last decade, and people in de facto relationships are more common here than in most similar areas.

The community is overwhelmingly Australian-born, with 80.6% born here. This results in a proportion of overseas-born residents (11.4%) that is far below the Victorian and national figures.

English is the dominant language, with 88.5% of people using it exclusively at home. Consequently, the share of people who speak another language (4.1%) or little to no English (0.3%) is far below national levels.

A striking 49.4% of residents report no religion, a figure far above the national average. This trend has seen a significant rise of 20 points since 2011.

Qualifications are higher than in most similar areas, with 18.1% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion has also risen 5.9 points since 2011 to reach 46.3%, though this remains far below the state average.

Typical weekly household income is $1,325, which is well below the national figure of $1,746. However, there has been a steady climb in prosperity, with the typical household income rising by $434 since 2011.

About 30.1% of people live with a long-term health condition, which is a little above the national figure. Arthritis is the most common long-term condition at 10.5%.

Volunteering is much more common here than in the state or nation, with 21.5% of people pitching in, although this is down 8.1 points from 2011. There is also a higher proportion of former Defence Force members compared to most areas.

First Nations people in Mansfield are far older and have a much lower unemployment rate (6.5%) than most similar areas. Personal income for this group is also well above the national figure.

Households are slightly smaller than the national average, with 2.3 people per home. Single-person households are more common here than in the state, with nearly 30% of people living alone.

Housing is dominated by separate houses (95.3%) and high rates of outright ownership (47.0%), which is far above the national figure. Renting is much less common here than in most other areas.

The area is heavily reliant on cars, with only 0.3% of people commuting via public transport. Almost every home has a vehicle, and 40.4% of households own two.

The community has seen significant movement, with 42.2% of people having moved house in the last five years. This is a little above the national figure.

The unemployment rate is very low at 2.0%, among the lowest for its level. However, full-time employment (52.1%) is well below the national figure, with many residents working in construction, retail, or hospitality.

Mansfield is a highly advantaged area, ranking in the top 10% for access to money and resources. It has also seen a population growth of 8.5% since 2021, which is much higher than most similar areas.

The local climate is distinct, with an average annual rainfall of 1,083mm, which is far above the Victorian average. Temperatures are also lower, with the minimum temperature among the lowest for its level.

Mansfield is a very safe place, with recorded offences per 100,000 people among the lowest at this level. Most crime rates, including burglary and theft, are much lower than in most other areas.

The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score far below the state average. Only 25.1% of homes have a 15-minute-city walkshed, largely due to low street connectivity and a steep average terrain slope.