Pemberton
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of August 2025, Pemberton's population is approximately 5,634, indicating a growth of 436 people since the 2021 Census. This increase corresponds to an 8.4% rise from the previous figure of 5,198. The change is inferred from ABS estimates, with the resident population being 5,571 as of June 2024 and 92 new addresses validated since the Census date. Pemberton's population density is 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Its growth rate of 8.4% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 area (8.0%). Interstate migration contributed approximately 64.9% to recent population gains in the region.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on these projections, Pemberton's population is expected to increase by approximately 498 persons to reach 6,132 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Pemberton has averaged approximately 39 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 199 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, and 3 so far in FY26. On average, 1.8 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $332,000, which is below regional levels, offering more affordable housing choices for buyers.

This financial year has seen $10.2 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Western Australia, Pemberton exhibits moderately higher building activity, at 22.0% above the regional average per person over this five-year period. The recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With approximately 145 people moving in for each approval, Pemberton reflects a developing area. Future projections estimate Pemberton will add 435 residents by 2041. Given 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 12thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Manjimup Motel and Restaurant, Manjimup Rea Park & Collier Street Redevelopment, Shire of Manjimup Town Blueprints, and Manjimup Trail Bike Hub. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Pemberton has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of June 2025, which is 0.1% lower than the Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%.

Employment growth in Pemberton over the past year was estimated at 5.7%. As of June 2025, 3,113 residents were employed, with workforce participation at 55.3%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. Pemberton has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.1 times the regional level.

However, mining is under-represented, with only 3.4% of its workforce compared to 11.7% in the Rest of WA. Employment levels increased by 5.7% and labour force increased by 5.4% in Pemberton during the year to June 2025, leading to a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, the Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Pemberton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.8% over five years and 11.0% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Pemberton's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $42,340 and the average was $56,581, according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of WA having a median income of $57,323 and an average income of $71,163 in the same year. Based on Wage Price Index growth from 2022 to March 2025, estimated incomes for Pemberton are approximately $47,256 (median) and $63,150 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Pemberton all fall between the 8th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 27.0% of Pemberton's population earns between $800 - $1,499 annually, compared to the surrounding region where 31.1% earn between $1,500 - $2,999. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.4% income retention, total disposable income in Pemberton ranks at only the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Pemberton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.5% houses and 3.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Pemberton stood at 53.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.6% and rented ones at 18.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,400. The median weekly rent in Pemberton was $250, compared to Non-Metro WA's figure of $260. Nationally, Pemberton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,900, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $380.

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

Family households comprise 67.7% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 10.5% and certificates for 29.0%.

A total of 24.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education. This includes 9.4% in secondary, 9.2% in primary, and 1.0% in tertiary education. Pemberton's five schools have a combined enrollment of 324 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1002) with balanced educational opportunities, comprising two primary and three K-12 schools. However, limited local school capacity (5.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.6) leads many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 14 active public transport stops in Pemberton. These are bus stops serviced by four routes offering a total of 28 weekly passenger trips. Resident accessibility is limited with an average distance of 2610 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Pemberton faces significant health challenges with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population, which totals around 2,704 people.

This is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6% and 8.0% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 65.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.4% across the Rest of WA. The area has 25.3% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 1,423 people, which is higher than the 23.0% in the Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors in Pemberton are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Pemberton's population showed low cultural diversity, with 83.1% being citizens, 77.6% born in Australia, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 41.7%. Judaism, at 0.2%, was overrepresented compared to Rest of WA's 0.0%.

The top ancestry groups were English (35.2%), Australian (26.2%), and Irish (8.5%). Notable differences existed for Macedonian (0.5% vs regional 0.6%), Italian (4.2% vs 4.3%), and French (0.6% vs 0.4%) groups.

Pemberton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Pemberton's median age is 52, surpassing Rest of WA's 40 and Australia's 38 years. Locally, those aged 55-64 make up 19.3%, higher than Rest of WA's average and significantly above the national figure of 11.2%. Meanwhile, individuals aged 25-34 comprise only 8.4% of Pemberton's population, compared to the Rest of WA average. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.3% to 12.2%, while those aged 15-24 rose from 7.3% to 8.6%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort decreased from 17.2% to 15.8% and the 75-84 group dropped from 8.5% to 7.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Pemberton's age structure. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 185 people (39%), reaching a total of 658 individuals. However, populations aged 85+ and 5-14 are projected to decline.