Pemberton

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

Pemberton's population is approximately 5,643 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 445 people, or 8.6%, since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 5,198. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,571 in June 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Pemberton's growth rate of 8.6% since the 2021 census exceeds that of the SA3 area (8.1%), making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 64.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

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 to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected. The area is projected to expand by 498 persons to reach 6,141 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 7.5% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Pemberton has averaged approximately 39 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25199 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved in FY26. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built over these five years was 1.8 people.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, maintaining stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $222,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $10.2 million, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in the area.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Pemberton exhibits moderately higher construction activity, with 22.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving Pemberton's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 145 people per approval, Pemberton reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is projected to increase by 426 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Pemberton has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 5thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 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 details those most relevant:.

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.

AreaSearch analysis places Pemberton well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Pemberton has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.1%. There were 3,148 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 0.4% below Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 55.3%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries among residents comprised agriculture, forestry & fishing, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance.

The area showed strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share of 3.1 times the regional level. Mining had limited presence with 3.4% employment compared to 11.7% regionally. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 6.1% alongside labour force increasing by 5.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment falling 0.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Pemberton's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Pemberton SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $42,340 and an average of $56,581. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $57,323 and an average of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $48,352 (median) and $64,616 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Pemberton fall between the 8th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 27.0% of the community earns between $800 - 1,499 (1,523 individuals), differing from regional levels where earnings between $1,500 - 2,999 predominate at 31.1%. Housing costs are modest with 88.4% of income retained. However, 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

Pemberton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.5% houses and 3.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro WA's 95.2% houses and 4.9% 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 $1,387. Median weekly rent in Pemberton was recorded at $240, compared to Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Pemberton's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households making up 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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 has university qualification rates of 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, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (29.0%). A total of 24.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.4% in secondary education, 9.2% in primary education, and 1.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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% pursuing tertiary education.

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 served by buses operating along four routes that together offer 28 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to these services 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 prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,708 people), compared to 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, while 65.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 65.4% across Rest of WA. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 25.3% (1,425 people), compared to the 23.0% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing 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, as per a report in July 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 83.1% being Australian citizens and 77.6% born within Australia. English was the primary language spoken at home by 94.1%. Christianity dominated religiously, comprising 41.7% of Pemberton's population.

Notably, Judaism, though small at 0.2%, was higher than the regional average of 0.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (35.2%), Australian (26.2%), and Irish (8.5%). Some ethnic groups showed notable variations: Macedonian at 0.5% in Pemberton compared to 0.6% regionally, Italian at 4.2% versus 4.3%, and French at 0.6% against a regional average of 0.4%.

Pemberton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Pemberton's median age is 52, surpassing Rest of WA's figure of 40 and Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of WA average, Pemberton has an over-representation of the 55-64 cohort (19.3%) and under-representation of 25-34 year-olds (8.4%), with the national 55-64 figure at 11.2%. Since 2021, Pemberton's 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.3% to 12.2%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 7.3% to 8.6%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 17.2% to 15.8%, and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 8.5% to 7.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts: the 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by 185 people (39%), from 472 to 658, while population declines are projected for the 85+ and 5-14 cohorts.