Manjimup

Manjimup is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Manjimup's population is estimated at around 4,453 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 174 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,279 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,451, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 198 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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). Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 597 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 13.4% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Manjimup, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Manjimup has recorded around 7 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling an estimated 37 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, though recent data shows this has intensified to 4.8 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being built at an average value of $458,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have also been $583,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Relative to Rest of WA, Manjimup shows substantially reduced construction (72.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 807 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Manjimup is expected to grow by 595 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Manjimup has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects and planning initiatives. In total 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Manjimup Rea Park & Collier Street Redevelopment, Shire of Manjimup Town Blueprints, Manjimup Trail Bike Hub, and Manjimup Motel and Restaurant, with the below list 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.

Manjimup shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Manjimup features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 4.7%, and relative employment stability over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,250 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional WA's 65.6%. Based on Census responses, a low 3.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Meanwhile, mining has limited presence with 2.4% employment compared to 11.7% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 0.3% alongside labour force increasing by 0.9%, resulting in unemployment rise by 0.6 percentage points. This compares to Regional WA, where employment fell by 0.1%, labour force expanded by 0.3%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Manjimup. 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 Manjimup's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Manjimup's median income among taxpayers is $44,338, with an average of $53,443. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional WA's median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $49,184 (median) and $59,284 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Manjimup all fall between the 13th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.0% of the community (1,335 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.1% in the same category. After housing, 85.8% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 16th percentile nationally.

Manjimup is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Manjimup, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.7% houses and 12.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Manjimup was in line with that of Regional WA, at 33.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.1%) or rented (34.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $1,148, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Manjimup's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Manjimup features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 62.6% of all households, comprising 22.7% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Manjimup faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (10.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (30.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 1 active transport stops operating within Manjimup comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 24 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1045 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 3.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Manjimup is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Manjimup, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,156 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.2 and 10.1% of residents, respectively, while 62.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.2% of residents aged 65 and over (944 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Manjimup ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Manjimup was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.5% of its population being citizens, 85.6% born in Australia, and 93.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Manjimup was found to be Christianity, which makes up 41.8% of people in Manjimup. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 1.6% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Manjimup are English, comprising 34.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 29.8% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Macedonian is notably overrepresented at 1.7% of Manjimup (vs 0.1% regionally), Italian at 4.8% (vs 3.0%) and Croatian at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).

Manjimup's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Manjimup is marginally above Regional WA's average of 40 similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional WA, Manjimup has a higher concentration of 15 - 24 residents (12.3%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (12.3%). Following the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.7% to 12.3% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 12.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Manjimup's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 41% (227 people), reaching 789 from 561. Conversely, the 85+ and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.