Population in Australia and Western Australia
The graph below shows the annual population growth rates between Western Australia and the whole of Australia from 1950-2010. As you can see, Western Australia has had a comparatively higher annual growth rate compared to Australia as a whole. The rising population is mainly due to immigration.
The Australian Bureau of Statistic’s (ABS) population clock will give you the current count of Australia’s population.
Source: ABS Cat 3105.0 (for years 1949 - 1980)
ABS Cat. 3101.0 (for years 1981 -)
As you can see in the graph below, the major components of population growth in Western Australia are; overseas migration, interstate migration and natural increase. You can also see that overseas migration to Western Australia has been an increasing trend since 1994. 
Source: ABS Cat. 3101.0
Population age spread in Western Australia
Western Australia shows obvious higher numbers in the over 65 years and under 15 years age groups. Whilst Western Australia has an ageing population, there has also been an increase in birth rates.
Source: ABS Cat. 3101.0
Migration
The graph below compares Australian born persons to overseas born persons. In 1947, overseas born residents represented 18.2% of the population (91,445 persons), in comparison to 34.7% (679,862 persons) in 2006. This growth in Western Australia’s population due to overseas migration is a trend that is expected to continue.
Source: ABS Cat. 3105.0
Employment in Western Australia and Australia
During 2010, Western Australia gained an increase in employment, equating to 33,600 news jobs. Nationally, employment increased by 2.7% during 2010 which was slightly below Western Australia’s average.
Source: ABS Cat. 6202.0 December 2010
Unemployment
Over the year to December 2010, Western Australia had the lowest unemployment of all states.
Source: ABS Cat. 6202.0 December 2010
Income in Australia and Western Australia
According to the 2007-08 ABS study into household income, the mean equivalised figure for Australia was $811 per week. The average equivalised household income in Western Australia was above the national average at $860 per week. Also notable is that the household incomes in the capital cities were 25% above those outside the capital cities.
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