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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Brookton stands at approximately 3,696 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 192 individuals (5.5%) from the 3,504 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated utilizing the ABS estimated resident population of 3,690 from June 2025 in combination with 42 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Based on these figures, the density of the area is 0.50 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious environment for residents. The 5.5% population increase since the census is within 0.1 percentage points of the wider SA3 region (5.6%), reflecting comparable growth patterns. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 54.0% of the total population increase during the recent timeframe.

AreaSearch incorporates population projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024, which utilize 2022 as their baseline year. In instances where specific SA2 areas lack coverage, or to project growth trends beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies cohort-specific growth rates by age from the latest Greater Capital Region projections released by the ABS in 2023, based on 2022 statistics. Future outlooks suggest that non-metropolitan regions across the country will see population growth exceeding the national median, with Brookton projected to add 446 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP data, representing a cumulative rise of 11.9% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Brookton according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Brookton averages approximately 12 residential building approvals annually, translating to a total of 64 new homes over the preceding 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 11 approvals have been documented so far. With an average influx of 1.1 new residents per completed home annually between FY-21 and FY-25, the local market exhibits a healthy equilibrium between residential supply and demand, promoting stability. The average construction value of these new dwellings is $239,000, which is under regional benchmarks and points to more budget-friendly options for home buyers. Furthermore, commercial development approvals total $3.0 million for the current financial year, highlighting that the locality remains predominantly residential.

In comparison to the Rest of WA, the rate of development activity in Brookton is moderately elevated, tracking at 26.0% above the regional per capita average over the 5 year period, which helps maintain a balance between choice for buyers and support for existing home values. This volume sits below the national benchmark, reflecting the established status of the town and suggesting potential planning constraints. Additionally, recent construction approvals consist entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the low-density profile of the community and appealing to buyers seeking additional space. The ratio of residents to dwelling approvals is approximately 283 people per approval, confirming a low-density residential market.

Looking forward, the population of Brookton is projected to rise by 440 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. While construction activity is keeping reasonable pace with this anticipated population growth, prospective buyers might experience heightened competition as the resident base increases.

Brookton has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major developments have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has tracked a total of 12 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Notable projects include the Rennet Street Drainage Flume, the Pingelly Health Centre, the Pingelly Recreation and Cultural Centre (PRACC), and the Memorial Park Redevelopment, with details on the most significant ones provided below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Brookton has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

The local economy in Brookton is supported by a diverse workforce containing a mix of white-collar and blue-collar roles across multiple sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of 4.3%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,766, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.8% higher than the Regional WA benchmark of 3.5%. Participation in the labor force is notably lower, sitting at 59.7% compared to the regional figure of 65.6%. Data from the Census indicates that a moderate 20.2% of the local workforce performed their jobs from home, although this figure may be influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

The primary sectors employing local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The region exhibits a distinct concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where the proportion of workers is 4.2 times higher than the regional average. Conversely, mining employs a relatively small share of the workforce, at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 11.7%. A comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests that a significant portion of workers travel outside the immediate area for their jobs, despite local employment opportunities.

Based on analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch, the local labor force contracted by 5.2% over the 12-month period, while employment fell by 7.5%, resulting in a 2.4 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. This trend diverges from Regional WA, where employment fell by 0.1%, the labor force expanded by 0.3%, and unemployment ticked up by 0.4 percentage points. National projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future employment trends in Brookton. These five and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with the local industry profile to project future growth. Nationally, employment is anticipated to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these national sector trends to the employment distribution of Brookton yields an estimated local employment increase of 4.5% over five years and 10.5% over ten years, representing a simple weighted model that does not incorporate local population growth forecasts.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Income levels in the Brookton SA2 exceed the national average according to 2023 financial year ATO data compiled by AreaSearch. Taxpayers in the Brookton SA2 recorded a median income of $56,978 and an average income of $71,013, which compares to median and average figures of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively for Regional WA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimated values would be approximately $63,206 for the median and $78,775 for the average as of March 2026. Census statistics show that household, family, and individual incomes in Brookton are positioned between the 17th and 27th percentiles nationally. Income distribution statistics show that the weekly earnings bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 accounts for 27.6% of the population (1,020 individuals), which is aligned with the surrounding region where 31.1% of people fall into the same bracket. Although living costs are relatively low, allowing residents to retain 91.5% of their income, total disposable income for the area sits at the 26th percentile nationally.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in Brookton consisted of 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% alternative dwelling types like semi-detached properties, apartments, and other housing, compared to Regional WA where detached houses made up 88.5% and other options accounted for 11.6%. The rate of home ownership in Brookton was significantly higher than the regional average, standing at 52.8%, while the remaining properties were occupied by mortgage holders (24.8%) or tenants (22.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the locality was $1,083, which is considerably below the regional average, and the median weekly rent was recorded at $200, compared to regional averages of $1,560 and $265 respectively. On a national level, Brookton mortgage payments are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are well below the countrywide average of $375.

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

Families comprise the majority of households at 67.7%, which includes couples with children at 23.7%, couples without children at 36.4%, and single-parent households at 6.7%. The remaining 32.3% consists of non-family households, with single-person households representing 31.0% and group housing making up 1.3%. The median household size is 2.3 individuals, which is smaller than the average of 2.5 found across Regional WA.

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

Educational attainment levels present opportunities for improvement in the region, with the percentage of residents holding university degrees (12.1%) sitting well below the national rate of 30.4%. This gap highlights potential areas for educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, with graduate diplomas at 1.6% and postgraduate credentials at 1.0%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 37.4% of the population aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (28.2%).

A significant portion of the local population is engaged in studies, with 23.7% of residents enrolled in formal education. This group includes 11.4% in primary school, 5.9% in high school, and 1.5% undertaking higher education.

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

Public transportation analysis shows that Brookton is served by 6 active transit stops, which consist of bus services. These stops accommodate 4 distinct routes, delivering a combined total of 26 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered limited, with the average distance to the nearest stop being 1686 meters. Due to the residential nature of the area, most workers travel outside the community, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 81% and walking at 12%. Average car ownership is 1.8 vehicles per household, which is higher than the regional average. Census data from 2021 indicates that 20.2% of residents worked from home, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 circumstances.

Transit services average 3 trips per day across all available routes, which translates to approximately 4 weekly trips for each transit stop.

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

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality statistics and the incidence of chronic conditions across different age brackets, the community of Brookton faces notable health challenges, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is relatively high at approximately 54% of the population (~1,999 people). This compares to a rate of 56.4% across Regional WA.

Arthritis and asthma are the most common chronic conditions in the locality, affecting 12.6% and 8.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 60.3% of the population reported no chronic health issues, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Chronic illness rates are elevated among the working-age population, indicating clear health concerns. Residents aged 65 and over represent 26.9% of the local population (993 people), which exceeds the regional average of 19.2%. Health indicators for senior residents also show challenges, ranking higher than national averages.

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

Cultural diversity indicators for Brookton are lower than broader averages, with citizens representing 86.6% of the population, Australian-born individuals accounting for 86.4%, and English-only speakers at home making up 96.1%. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation in the area, practiced by 50.2% of the population, compared to 44.6% in Regional WA.

Regarding parental country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups in Brookton are English at 34.6%, Australian at 34.4% (which is notably higher than the regional average of 28.4%), and Scottish at 7.0%. There are also distinct variations in representation for other groups, with Welsh representing 0.7% of the population (compared to 0.6% regionally), Australian Aboriginal people at 4.6% (compared to 6.1% regionally), and Maori residents at 0.7% (compared to 1.0% regionally).

Brookton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Brookton is 50 years, which is significantly older than the Regional WA average of 40 years and the national average of 38 years. Residents aged 65 - 74 years are highly represented at 14.3% of the population, whereas the 15 - 24 age bracket is smaller at 7.6% compared to Regional WA. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age bracket has increased from 8.6% to 10.8% of the total population, while the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 13.5% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic shifts are expected to alter the age structure of Brookton, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to increase by 36% (143 people), growing from 399 to 543, whereas the 85+ and 5 to 14 brackets are expected to see population decreases.