Manjimup
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Manjimup's population is around 5,643 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 196 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,447 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,630 in June 2024 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 17.4 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year for each SA2 area. For areas not covered, post-2032 growth rates are utilized based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, above median population growth is projected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to grow by 773 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 13.5% over the 17 years based on latest population numbers.

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

Manjimup has seen approximately 14 new homes approved annually. Development approval data from the ABS covers financial years, with 73 homes approved between FY21-FY25 and none so far in FY26. On average, 1.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built over the past five financial years (FY21-FY25), indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this has moderated to 0 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting improved balance. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $458,000.

This year, $1.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Manjimup's residential nature. Compared to Rest of WA, Manjimup has 57.0% less development activity per person, generally supporting stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This activity is also below the national average, suggesting potential planning limitations. All recent development comprises detached dwellings, preserving Manjimup's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The area has an estimated 374 people per dwelling approval.

Population forecasts indicate Manjimup will gain 760 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Manjimup has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Seven infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Manjimup Rea Park & Collier Street Redevelopment, Shire of Manjimup Town Blueprints, Manjimup Motel and Restaurant, and Manjimup Trail Bike Hub. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Manjimup has been broadly consistent with national averages

Manjimup has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, an unemployment rate of 3.8%, and an estimated employment growth of 5.4% in the past year as of June 2025. The town's key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance, with a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing at twice the regional level.

Mining is under-represented, with only 3.0% of Manjimup's workforce compared to 11.7% in Rest of WA. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Employment levels increased by 5.4% and labour force by 5.5% from June 2024 to June 2025, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.8%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

Applying these projections to Manjimup's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.2% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Income data from AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO figures for financial year ending June 30, 2022 indicates that median income in Manjimup was $45,917 and average income stood at $55,347. This compares to Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% from financial year ending June 30, 2022 to March 2025, estimated median income in Manjimup is approximately $51,248 and average income is $61,773 as of March 2025. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Manjimup fall between the 18th and 28th percentiles nationally. In Manjimup, 31.6% of the population (1,783 individuals) have incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, similar to the metropolitan region where 31.1% fall within this range. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains in Manjimup, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally.

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

The latest Census showed that Manjimup had 89.9% houses and 10.0% other dwellings, compared to Non-Metro WA's 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Manjimup was at 34.9%, with mortgages at 33.2% and rentals at 31.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,387. The median weekly rent in Manjimup was $240, compared to Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Manjimup's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Manjimup features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 64.6% of all households, including 24.0% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 33.2% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, matching the average for the Rest of WA.

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 at 12.0%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.1%) and certificates (31.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 1.1% pursuing tertiary education. Manjimup's 5 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,465 students while the area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 973) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. The area functions as an education hub with 26.0 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 12.6 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis shows one active public transport stop operating in Manjimup, offering mixed bus services. This stop is served by three separate routes that together offer 24 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically located 1470 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes is 3 trips per day, resulting in approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Manjimup is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Manjimup faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,686 people), compared to 49.8% across the rest of WA. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.7% and 9.5% of residents respectively. However, 64.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.4% across the rest of WA. The area has 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,126 people), which is lower than the 23.0% in the rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Manjimup, surveyed in April-June 2016, had low cultural diversity: 89.0% were citizens, 85.6% born in Australia, and 93.1% spoke English only at home. Christianity dominated with 43.2%. Islam was overrepresented at 1.5%, compared to the Rest of WA's 0.6%.

Top ancestry groups were English (34.2%), Australian (29.0%), and Scottish (7.7%). Notably, Macedonian (1.9%) and Italian (5.7%) were overrepresented, while Croatian was slightly higher at 0.6% compared to regional averages.

Manjimup hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Manjimup is 43 years, which is slightly higher than Rest of WA's average of 40 years and well above the Australian median of 38 years. In comparison with Rest of WA, the age cohort of 55-64 years is significantly over-represented at 14.7% in Manjimup. Conversely, the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented at 12.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the population of 35-44 year-olds has increased from 11.0% to 12.2%, while the 75-84 age group has decreased from 6.6% to 6.0%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Manjimup. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by 303 people (48%), increasing from 633 to 937 individuals. Meanwhile, the population of those aged 75-84 and 55-64 years is anticipated to decline.