Pemberton

An assessment of population growth drivers in Pemberton reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Pemberton's population is around 5,698 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 500 people (9.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,198 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,571 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 101 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Pemberton's 9.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 64.9% of overall 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 utilizing the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the area expected to increase by 498 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 6.5% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Pemberton when compared nationally

Pemberton has experienced around 39 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 199 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 12 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.8 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $222,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $10.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against the Rest of WA, Pemberton shows moderately higher new home approvals (22.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 145 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Pemberton will gain 371 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Pemberton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Manjimup Motel and Restaurant, Manjimup Rea Park & Collier Street Redevelopment, Shire of Manjimup Town Blueprints, and the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub, 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.

Employment performance in Pemberton exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Pemberton possesses a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and 5.1% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,146 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional WA's 67.4%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.4% 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, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.1 times the regional level. Meanwhile, mining has a limited presence with 3.4% employment compared to 11.7% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.1% and the labour force increased by 5.2%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. By comparison, Regional WA recorded employment growth of 1.0%, labour force growth of 1.4%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Pemberton. 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 Pemberton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.0% 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

The Pemberton SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Pemberton SA2's median income among taxpayers is $42,621 and the average income stands at $57,111, 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 $46,721 (median) and $62,605 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Pemberton all fall between the 8th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 27.0% of the community (1,538 individuals), differing from patterns across the metropolitan region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.1%. While housing costs are modest with 88.4% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 12th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Pemberton, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.5% houses and 3.5% 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 Pemberton was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 53.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.6%) or rented (18.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional WA average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $240, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Pemberton's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Pemberton has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 67.7% of all households, comprising 21.6% couples with children, 38.7% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Pemberton shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.7%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (29.0%).

A substantial 24.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.4% in secondary education, 9.2% in primary education, and 1.0% in 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 14 active transport stops operating within Pemberton, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 28 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2610 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 1.7 per dwelling. Some 18.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 4 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Pemberton is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Pemberton demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, while the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,712 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6% and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 65.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,380 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Regional WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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

Pemberton is below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.1% of its population being citizens, 77.6% born in Australia, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Pemberton is Christianity, which makes up 41.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.0% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Pemberton are English, comprising 35.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Macedonian is notably overrepresented at 0.5% of Pemberton (vs 0.1% regionally), Italian at 4.2% (vs 3.0%), and French at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

Pemberton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 52, Pemberton is notably exceeding the Regional WA figure of 40 and is well above Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional WA average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (19.7% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (8.5%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. In the period since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.3% to 12.7% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 7.3% to 8.6%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 17.2% to 15.4% and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 8.5% to 6.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Pemberton's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 155 people (31%) from 502 to 658. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 5 to 14 cohorts.