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

According to findings from AreaSearch, the resident count of Manjimup stands at approximately 5,663 by May 2026. This represents a growth of 216 individuals (4.0%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 5,447 residents. This shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 5,661 recorded in June 2025 alongside 28 validated new addresses identified since the Census. With these numbers, the local population density is 17.5 persons per square kilometer, ensuring a spacious environment for the community. Overseas migration served as the primary contributor to these demographic gains, functioning as the sole source of population increases in recent times.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, utilizing 2022 as a baseline, have been adopted by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. For areas lacking this coverage, and to calculate demographic shifts beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections published in 2023 using 2022 data. Looking forward, the area is projected to experience population expansion exceeding the national non-metropolitan median, with an estimated rise of 740 individuals by 2041 using the latest annual ERP statistics, indicating a cumulative increase of 13.0% 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

Approximately 14 residential building approvals are registered annually in Manjimup, accumulating to 73 residential dwellings over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 19 during FY-26 so far. An average of 0.8 people relocated to the district for every new home built during the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, showing that supply matches or exceeds local demand, which offers buyers more options and supports growth above projected rates. Newly constructed homes average $250,000 in value, aligning with broader regional patterns. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $1.7 million have been documented during the current financial year, emphasizing the predominantly residential character of the locality.

Development volume in Manjimup is substantially lower than in the Rest of WA, sitting at 57.0% below the regional per capita average. This restricted flow of new housing generally aids demand and keeps values firm for established properties. This building rate is also below the national average, pointing to the mature state of the area and possible planning constraints. Furthermore, recent construction has consisted exclusively of single-family detached houses, maintaining a low-density environment geared toward buyers seeking space. An estimated ratio of 376 people per dwelling approval reflects a quiet, low-intensity development climate.

Demographic projections indicate that Manjimup is set to add 738 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If building rates remain at current levels, housing supply may fall behind population growth, potentially heightening competition among buyers and supporting price appreciation.

Manjimup has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Local performance is strongly affected by updates to community infrastructure, major developments, and regional planning. AreaSearch has tracked 7 key projects expected to influence the area, including the Manjimup Rea Park & Collier Street Redevelopment, Shire of Manjimup Town Blueprints, Manjimup Motel and Restaurant, and the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub, with specific details provided for the most significant undertakings.

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Manjimup has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Manjimup exhibits a balanced labor market representing both white-collar and blue-collar occupations across diverse sectors, featuring an unemployment rate of just 3.9% and steady job numbers over the preceding year. By March 2026, 3,026 local citizens are employed, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.4% higher than the Regional WA average of 3.5%. Participation in the workforce is standard, standing at 67.8% compared to the Regional WA benchmark of 65.6%. According to Census data, a modest 6.2% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents consist of agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. The region shows a strong industrial specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, employing a share of the workforce that is 2.0 times the regional average. Conversely, mining is less prominent, employing only 3.0% of the local workforce compared to 11.7% in Regional WA. Although there are jobs available within the area, a comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests a significant portion of residents travel to other areas for work.

An analysis of SALM and ABS data by AreaSearch shows that during the year leading to March 2026, employment grew by 0.5% and the labor force expanded by 1.0%, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional WA saw employment fall by 0.1%, the labor force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 provide a broader context for potential labor demand in Manjimup. These projections, spanning five and ten years, are applied to the local workforce structure to model future patterns. While overall Australian employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary by industry. Applying these national sector trends to the local industry distribution suggests local jobs will rise by 5.2% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, representing a simple weighted extrapolation for demonstration rather than a forecast tied to local population changes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The latest postcode-level ATO data released by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicates that individual incomes in the Manjimup SA2 are below the national average, with a median of $47,921 and an average of $57,675. This is lower than the Regional WA figures, which show a median of $59,973 and an average of $74,392. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 would be roughly $53,159 for the median and $63,979 for the average. Census data places household, family, and individual incomes in Manjimup between the 18th and 27th percentiles nationwide. The records show that 31.6% of the population, or 1,789 individuals, earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring metropolitan trends where 31.1% are in the same bracket. After housing costs are met, 86.1% of income remains, placing the area in the 21st percentile nationally for this metric.

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

According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Manjimup consisted of 89.9% detached houses and 10.0% other dwelling types, including semi-detached options and apartments, compared to Regional WA's distribution of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other properties. Home ownership rates in the area matched Regional WA at 34.9%, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (33.2%) or rented (31.9%). The median monthly mortgage cost in the area was $1,300, which is below the Regional WA median of $1,560, and the median weekly rent was $240, compared to the Regional WA average of $265. Nationally, Manjimup's mortgage payments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national figure of $375.

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

Families make up the majority of households at 64.6%, which includes 24.0% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 9.6% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households representing 33.2% and group living situations making up 2.2%. The median household size of 2.3 people is slightly below 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 region presents educational profiles where university graduation rates stand at 12.0%, which is below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a space for targeted educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees represent 9.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. Technical and vocational skills are prominent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 7.1% and certificates at 31.0%.

Enrolment rates in education are high, with 26.1% of local residents participating in academic programs. This comprises 11.0% in primary schools, 8.9% in secondary schools, and 1.1% in higher education.

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

Public transit data shows 1 active transit stop in Manjimup, which is served by a mix of buses. These stops accommodate 3 separate routes, providing 24 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is low, with residents living an average of 1470 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and most workers commute out of the district, with cars being the main transport mode at 93% and walking at 4%. Dwellings average 1.5 vehicles each. A low 6.2% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been impacted by pandemic conditions.

The average service frequency is 3 trips daily across the routes, resulting in about 24 weekly trips at each active transit stop.

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

Health statistics show notable challenges for Manjimup, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the occurrence of chronic illnesses across both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance is low, covering roughly 48% of the population, or about 2,729 people, compared to 56.4% in Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues locally, affecting 9.7% and 9.5% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 64.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Residents of working age exhibit higher-than-average rates of chronic conditions. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 20.3% of the community (1,151 people), which is above the Regional WA average of 19.2%. Health outcomes among these older residents rank higher than average, showing stronger results than the general local population.

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

Manjimup displays lower levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 89.0% of the population, 85.6% born in Australia, and 93.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 43.2% of residents. Islam shows the most notable local variation, accounting for 1.5% of residents compared to the Regional WA average of 0.8%.

Regarding parental ancestry, the three most common backgrounds in Manjimup are English at 34.2%, Australian at 29.0%, and Scottish at 7.7%. Specific ethnic representations differ from regional averages, with Macedonian ancestry overrepresented at 1.9% of the population (compared to 0.1% regionally), Italian at 5.7% (compared to 3.0%), and Croatian at 0.6% (compared to 0.3%).

Manjimup's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age of 43 in Manjimup is higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and the national median of 38. Compared to Regional WA, the 65 - 74 age group is overrepresented at 12.3%, while the 35 - 44 cohort is underrepresented at 12.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort grew from 11.0% to 12.6% of the population, while the 55 to 64 group declined from 15.1% to 14.2%. By 2041, population forecasts project demographic shifts, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 271 people (42%) from 650 to 922, while the 85+ and 15 to 24 cohorts are projected to contract.