 It lies on the southwestern bank of the River Douglas, contiguous to Wigan's town centre, and east of the M6 motorway.The area today serves as a predominantly residential suburb along with the adjoining area of Orrell and as a ward has a population of 13,638, increasing to 13,982 at the 2011 Census.Historically a part of Lancashire, Pemberton was formerly a township and parish in the hundred of West Derby.