Brookton

Brookton 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 AreaSearch's analysis, Brookton's population is around 3,675 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 171 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,504 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,639 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.50 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Brookton's 4.9% growth since the census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. 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). As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth for regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 476 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 12.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Brookton has recorded around 12 residential properties granted approval per year, with 64 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $239,000 — below regional norms — reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $3.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

Relative to the Rest of WA, Brookton has slightly more development (26.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Further, new construction has been completely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 281 people per dwelling approval, Brookton shows characteristics of a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Brookton will gain 440 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Brookton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth 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 Rennet Street Drainage Flume, Pingelly Health Centre, Memorial Park Redevelopment, and Pingelly Recreation and Cultural Centre (PRACC), 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Brookton has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Brookton possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of only 3.4%. As of December 2025, 1,802 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation lags significantly (60.8% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 20.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 4.2 times the regional level. Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 11.7%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 5.6% while employment declined by 6.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA experienced employment growth of 1.0% and labour force growth of 1.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Brookton. 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 Brookton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 10.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Brookton SA2's income level is above the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Brookton SA2's median income among taxpayers is $56,978 and the average income stands at $71,013, which compares to figures for Regional WA's of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,459 (median) and $77,844 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Brookton all fall between the 17th and 27th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 27.6% of the community (1,014 individuals), mirroring the broader area where 31.1% occupy this bracket. While housing costs are modest with 91.5% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 26th percentile nationally.

Brookton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Brookton, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.0% houses and 3.0% 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 Brookton was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 52.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.8%) or rented (22.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Brookton's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.7% of all households, comprising 23.7% couples with children, 36.4% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 1.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Brookton 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 (12.1%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (28.2%).

A substantial 23.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 5.9% in secondary education, and 1.5% 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 6 active transport stops operating within Brookton, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 26 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1686 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 81%, with 12% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 20.2% 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 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Brookton, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~1,988 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 12.6 and 8.2% of residents, respectively, while 60.3% 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 26.2% of residents aged 65 and over (962 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Brookton is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Brookton was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.6% of its population being citizens, 86.4% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Brookton is Christianity, which makes up 50.2% of people in Brookton, compared to 44.6% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Brookton are English, comprising 34.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 34.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 28.4%, and Scottish, comprising 7.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.7% of Brookton (vs 0.6% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 4.6% (vs 6.1%) and Maori at 0.7% (vs 1.0%).

Brookton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

At 50 years, Brookton's median age is significantly above the Regional WA average of 40 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.3%), while the 15 - 24 group is comparatively smaller (7.3%) than in Regional WA. This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.6% to 12.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 11.4%. By 2041, Brookton is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 35% (156 people), reaching 602 from 445. Meanwhile, the 85+ and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.