WA to Lead National Population Growth Until 2066

Western Australia (WA) is projected to sustain its leading population growth, having increased by 64,000 (2.2%) in 2024-25, primarily due to overseas migration. The state is expected to grow by another 54,000 this financial year, mostly in the greater Perth area. In contrast, Australia’s overall population growth is declining, with a forecast of 362,000 for this year. Despite this, WA’s fertility rate is at a record low of 1.43, with some regions like Tasmania projected to experience population decline within the decade.