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

Pemberton's population was around 5,643 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 445 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,198 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,571 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Pemberton's growth rate of 8.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 8.1%, indicating it was a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 64.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 utilized 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 was expected, with the area projected to expand by 498 persons to reach approximately 6,141 people by 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 7.5% 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. Between fiscal year 2021 (FY-21) and FY-25199 homes were approved, with an additional 7 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 1.8 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction cost for new properties was $222,000, lower than regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $10.2 million, signifying balanced commercial development activity in the area.

Compared to the rest of Western Australia (WA), Pemberton exhibits moderately higher construction activity, with 22.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves 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 around 145 people per approval, Pemberton reflects a developing area. Future projections estimate an addition of 426 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply is expected to meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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 11 projects that could affect 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 likely to be relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Pemberton ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

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%.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 5.7% over the past year. As of June 2025, 3,113 residents were in work and workforce participation was at 55.3%, somewhat below the Rest of WA's 59.4%. The leading employment industries among Pemberton residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 3.1 times the regional level.

However, mining has limited presence with only 3.4% employment compared to the regional average of 11.7%. An analysis of SALM and ABS data for a 12-month period showed that employment increased by 5.7% while labour force grew by 5.4%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded employment growth of 1.1%, labour force growth of 0.5%, and a fall in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Pemberton's median income among taxpayers is $42,340. The average income in the same period is $56,581. Both figures are below the national averages. In comparison, Rest of WA has 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, current estimates for Pemberton's median income would be approximately $48,352 by September 2025, with the average estimated at $64,616 during the same period. Census 2021 data indicates that incomes in Pemberton fall between the 8th and 15th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 27.0% of Pemberton's community earns between $800 and $1,499 (1,523 individuals), which differs from regional levels where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 predominate at 31.1%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.4% of income to be retained, Pemberton's total disposable income ranks at 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, was 96.5% houses and 3.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 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. Weekly rent in Pemberton was $240, compared to Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Pemberton's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Pemberton features high concentrations of lone person households, 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 account for 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, 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's university qualification rate is 19.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 29.0%. A total of 24.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.4% in secondary, 9.2% in primary, and 1.0% in tertiary education.

Pemberton's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 324 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1002) with balanced educational opportunities. The area has 2 primary and 3 K-12 schools. Local school capacity is limited at 5.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.6, leading 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

Pemberton has 14 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together offer 28 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents on average located 2610 meters from the nearest stop.

Each route runs an average of four trips per day, 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. Meanwhile, 65.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 65.4% across Rest of WA. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.3%, with 1,425 people falling into this category compared to the Rest of WA's 23.0%. Health outcomes among seniors in Pemberton are 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, surveyed in June 2016, had low cultural diversity with 83.1% citizens, 77.6% born Australian, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 41.7%. Judaism, absent regionally, comprised 0.2% in Pemberton.

Top ancestral groups were English (35.2%), Australian (26.2%), Irish (8.5%). Notable differences included Macedonian at 0.5% (vs regional 0.6%), Italian at 4.2% (vs 4.3%), and French at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

Pemberton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Pemberton's median age is 52, which is higher than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA average, Pemberton has a notably over-represented 55-64 cohort at 19.3%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.4%. This concentration of the 55-64 cohort is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.3% to 12.2%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 7.3% to 8.6%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 17.2% to 15.8%, and the 75 to 84 group has dropped from 8.5% to 7.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Pemberton's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 185 people (39%), from 472 to 658. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 5 to 14 cohorts.