Pemberton

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

Pemberton has a population of approximately 5,736 as of May 2026, according to analysis by AreaSearch. This represents a gain of 538 people (10.4%) from the 5,198 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. This growth is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 5,706 combined with 108 validated new addresses registered since the Census. The region has a population density of 0.60 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and significant space per resident. Outperforming both the national average and the SA3 area (9.3%), Pemberton stands out as a leading growth zone. Interstate migration was the primary contributor, accounting for 61.7% of the population increase, though overseas migration and natural increase also made positive contributions.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as a base, are applied to each SA2 area. For areas lacking this data or for projections beyond 2032, growth calculations employ age cohort rates from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections, which use 2022 data. Based on these demographic models and recent annual ERP figures, Pemberton is projected to experience population expansion slightly below the national regional median, growing by 474 persons to 2041, which represents a total increase of 7.7% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Pemberton among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Residential development in Pemberton averages approximately 39 approved dwellings annually, with 199 homes approved during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 23 approvals registered in FY-26 so far. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), each new dwelling was matched by an average of 2.2 new residents, indicating steady demand that helps sustain property values. The average expected construction cost for these new homes is $222,000, which is below typical regional benchmarks and points to affordable entry points for buyers. Additionally, commercial development is active with $10.2 million in commercial approvals recorded this financial year.

Building activity in Pemberton is moderately elevated compared to the Rest of WA, running 22.0% above the regional per capita average over the 5 year period, which helps balance supply with the preservation of local asset values. Recent approvals consist entirely of separate houses, preserving the low density residential profile of the area and catering to families desiring larger properties. Reflecting a developing area, Pemberton averages around 148 people per approval.

Based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch, Pemberton is projected to gain 444 residents by 2041. Current building trends suggest that future housing supply will align well with demand, presenting favorable opportunities for purchasers and potentially supporting growth that outpaces current predictions.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major planning initiatives, and regional developments are key drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that are expected to influence the region. Significant projects include the Manjimup Motel and Restaurant, the Manjimup Rea Park & Collier Street Redevelopment, the Shire of Manjimup Town Blueprints, and the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub, with the most relevant listed below.

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 has been broadly consistent with national averages

Pemberton has a diverse and qualified labor force, featuring a low unemployment rate of 3.1% and a 0.6% expansion in employment over the past year. In March 2026, the employed population stood at 3,084 residents. The local unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than the 3.5% rate recorded in Regional WA, while the participation rate is close to the Regional WA average of 65.6%. Census data indicates that 18.4% of working residents operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The local workforce is heavily concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.1 times the regional average. Conversely, mining represents only 3.4% of local employment, compared to 11.7% in Regional WA. Comparison of the Census working population against the resident workforce suggests that local job opportunities are relatively limited.

According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS and SALM figures, the year ending March 2026 saw employment grow by 0.6% and the labor force expand by 0.9%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional WA recorded a 0.1% decrease in employment alongside a 0.3% increase in the labor force, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point rise in its unemployment rate. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide context for future local demand. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local industry mix to model growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with significant variation across sectors. Applying these rates to the local employment structure suggests Pemberton's employment could grow by 4.8% over five years and 11.0% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not incorporate local population forecasts.

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

According to aggregated postcode-level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the median taxpayer income in the Pemberton SA2 was $42,621 and the average was $57,111. These figures sit below national averages, and contrast with a median of $59,973 and an average of $74,392 in Regional WA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 are approximately $47,279 for the median and $63,353 for the average. Census data places Pemberton's household, family, and personal incomes between the 8th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows 27.0% of the population (1,548 individuals) earn in the $800 - 1,499 range, which differs from the wider region where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is most common at 31.1%. Although residents retain 88.4% of their income due to low housing costs, total disposable income sits at the 12th percentile nationally.

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

At the time of the last Census, the housing stock in Pemberton was dominated by separate houses, which made up 96.5% of dwellings, while semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwellings comprised 3.5%. This contrasts with Regional WA, where separate houses made up 88.5% and alternative dwelling types accounted for 11.6%. The rate of outright home ownership in Pemberton was high at 53.3%, with mortgaged homes representing 28.6% and rented properties making up 18.1%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,300 was below the Regional WA average of $1,560, and the median weekly rent of $240 was lower than the regional figure of $265. Locally, mortgage payments are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are below the national median of $375.

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

Family households make up 67.7% of all households in the area, consisting of couples without children at 38.7%, couples with children at 21.6%, and single parent families at 6.7%. The remaining 32.3% are non-family households, which consist of lone person households (29.9%) and group households (2.4%). The median household size of 2.2 persons 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

Educational attainment profiles show that 19.7% of residents hold university qualifications, which is lower than the national average of 30.4%. This gap highlights opportunities for targeted local education initiatives. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational and technical training is common, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (29.0%).

A total of 24.8% of the local population is enrolled in formal education. This group includes 9.4% in secondary schools, 9.2% in primary schools, and 1.0% in tertiary institutions.

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

Public transport infrastructure in Pemberton consists of 14 active stops served by a mix of buses. These stops accommodate 4 different routes that provide 28 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is limited, with residents living an average of 2610 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and most workers commute to locations outside the area. Cars are the primary mode of travel at 81%, followed by walking at 12%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.7 cars. Census data from 2021 shows that 18.4% of residents worked from home, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 4 trips per day, which translates to approximately 2 weekly passenger 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

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, Pemberton residents experience favorable health outcomes, with low rates of common health conditions across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low, held by approximately 48% of the population (~2,730 people), compared to 56.4% in Regional WA and a national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most common medical diagnoses in the area, affecting 10.6% and 8.0% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 65.9% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Chronic conditions are higher than average among working-age residents. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 26.3% of the population (1,509 people), which is higher than the Regional WA proportion of 19.2%. Health indicators for this older cohort are strong, ranking higher nationally than 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

Cultural diversity in Pemberton is low, with citizens making up 83.1% of the population, Australian-born residents accounting for 77.6%, and English-only speakers representing 94.1% of households. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 41.7% of residents. Judaism shows a small overrepresentation, accounting for 0.2% of the population compared to 0.0% across Regional WA.

The most common ancestries reported in Pemberton are English (35.2%), Australian (26.2%), and Irish (8.5%). There are also specific differences in ethnic backgrounds compared to regional averages, with Macedonian ancestry at 0.5% (compared to 0.1% regionally), Italian at 4.2% (compared to 3.0%), and French at 0.6% (compared to 0.4%).

Pemberton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Pemberton has a median age of 53, which is older than the Regional WA median of 40 and the national average of 38. The 55 - 64 age cohort is highly represented at 19.2% of the population, exceeding the national share of 11.2%, while the 25 - 34 cohort is lower at 8.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 10.3% to 11.8%, and the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 7.3% to 8.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 9.7% to 8.5%, and the 65 to 74 cohort dropped from 17.2% to 16.0%. Demographic projections for 2041 suggest significant changes, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow by 156 people (33%) from 473 to 630, while declines are expected in the 85+ and 5 to 14 age brackets.