Western Australia is poised to maintain its position as Australia's fastest-growing state for the next four decades, even as overall population growth slows nationally, according to the 2025 Population Statement.
The state added 64,000 people in 2024-25, a 2.2% increase—the highest in the nation—driven largely by overseas migration, with 40,200 new arrivals, and interstate moves, which contributed over 10,000 additional residents.
WA is forecast to grow by another 54,000 this financial year, with most of the expansion concentrated in the greater Perth area, which is expected to reach nearly 4.2 million by 2065.
By contrast, population growth across Australia slowed, with 416,000 people added in 2024-25, expected to decline to 362,000 this year.
Melbourne and Sydney are projected to surpass eight million residents by 2065.
Net international migration remained the key driver of population increases, with 311,100 more people entering the country than leaving in 2024-25, while natural increase—births minus deaths—added 105,400.
Migration levels are down from the post-pandemic peak of 556,000 in 2023, a trend Treasurer Jim Chalmers says will continue, tempering future growth.
Amid ongoing debates over migration policy, NSW Premier Chris Minns highlighted the contribution of new arrivals, describing them as often "some of the most patriotic people" in Australia.
Fertility rates hit record lows nationwide, with WA at 1.43 children per woman, expected to remain low before gradually rising.
Tasmania and South Australia, in contrast, are projected to see minimal growth and eventually more deaths than births in the coming decades.