Leslie Massey
Western Australia is home to a large number of dwellings, with a total of 1,150,257 in 2021, according to the Census usual resident population. This includes 884,622 separate houses, 182,251 medium-density dwellings, and 55,345 high-density dwellings. The average household size is 2.48 people per dwelling, with a slight decrease in household size over time. The majority of dwellings in Western Australia are separate houses, at 77.1%, with a high occupancy rate of 89.5% on Census night in 2021.
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia's 2021 housing
Western Australia's housing landscape in 2021 was characterised by a growing population, evolving household dynamics, and a diverse range of dwelling types.
The Census usual resident population of Western Australia in 2021 was approximately 2.7 million people, a number that has been steadily increasing over time. This population inhabited 1,150,257 dwellings, with an average household size of 2.48 people. This represented a notable decrease in household size compared to previous decades, such as 1971, when the average number of people per household was 3.4.
The most common type of household in Western Australia in 2021 was family households, accounting for 71.2% of all households. Among family households, couples with children represented 44.6%, while one-parent families made up 15.1%. Lone-person households also constituted a significant portion of dwellings, accounting for 25.4% of all households.
In terms of dwelling types, separate houses dominated the landscape, with 77.1% of all dwellings falling into this category. This was a distinctive feature of Western Australia, as the proportion of separate houses was significantly higher than the Australian average of 70.3%. Medium-density dwellings accounted for 15.9% of residences, while high-density dwellings made up 4.8%, lower than the Australian average of 11%. Additionally, 17,227 caravans, cabins, and houseboats were recorded in the area.
The language used at home by Western Australians also varied. While most residents (75.3%) primarily spoke English, Mandarin was the second most common language, spoken by 1.9% of the population. Italian, Vietnamese, and Punjabi were also among the languages used by Western Australians in their homes.
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Types of dwellings
Western Australia had a Census usual resident population of 2,660,026 in 2021, living in 1,150,257 dwellings. The average household size is 2.48.
In 2021, there were 884,622 separate houses in Western Australia, accounting for 77.1% of all dwellings. These are larger, detached dwellings that are likely to attract families and prospective families.
Medium-density dwellings made up 15.9% of the dwelling types, with 182,251 residences. This type of dwelling is more likely to attract young adults and smaller households, often renting.
High-density dwellings accounted for 4.8% of the total, with 55,345 residences. This dwelling type is similar to the previous type in that it attracts younger, smaller households.
In addition, there were 17,227 caravans, cabins, and houseboats in Western Australia in 2021.
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Household size
In 2021, 71.2% of households were family households, a slight decrease from 72.7% in 2016. The most common type of family in Western Australia in 2021 was families with children, with 44.6% of families being couples with children and 15.1% being one-parent families. The decrease in the average household size can be attributed to various factors, including social and economic changes, as well as shifts in cultural norms and values.
In addition to family households, there are also lone households and group households in Western Australia. In 2021, 25.4% of households were lone households, and 3.4% were group households. These percentages have likely changed over the years, reflecting the evolving nature of household compositions. It is worth noting that the definition of a "household" can vary and may include traditional family structures, single-person dwellings, shared living arrangements, and other non-traditional configurations.
The types of dwellings in Western Australia also contribute to the overall household size dynamics. In 2021, the majority of dwellings were separate houses (77.1%), followed by medium-density dwellings (15.9%), and high-density dwellings (4.8%). The proportion of occupied dwellings in Western Australia was 89.5% in 2021, slightly lower than the national average of 90.2%. The decrease in average household size is a trend observed in many parts of the world, and it has implications for various aspects of society, including housing design, resource allocation, and social policies.
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Population growth
Western Australia, constituting the western third of the country, is the largest state in Australia. It is home to around 2.5 million people, with 92% of its residents living in the southwest region near the state capital, Perth.
Perth and its surrounding metropolitan area account for 75% of the state's population. Perth has an estimated population of 1.97 million, making it the fourth most populous city in Australia. The city became known as the "City of Light" when residents lit their homes and streetlights as American astronaut John Glenn passed overhead in 1962 and again in 1998. The metropolitan area of Perth, including Mandurah, had an estimated population of 2,043,138 in June 2017, constituting 79% of the state's population.
Western Australia has experienced significant population growth throughout its history, with several key factors influencing this trend. The discovery of gold reserves in Kalgoorlie during the 1890s triggered a gold rush, leading to a notable influx of people. This was further bolstered by immigration from the British Isles, with Western Australia, particularly Perth, recording the highest proportion of British-born residents among all states at 10.3% in 2011, compared to a national average of 5.1%.
Following World War II, Western Australia, along with the eastern states, witnessed an influx of immigrants from Italy, Croatia, and Macedonia. This diversity continued to grow, and by 2021, 32.2% of Western Australia's population were born overseas, with the top five countries of birth outside of Australia being New Zealand, England, India, South Africa, and the Philippines. This diversity is also reflected in the languages spoken at home, with 1.9% speaking Mandarin, 1.0% Italian, 0.9% Vietnamese, and 0.8% Punjabi, alongside English.
In recent years, Western Australia has maintained its position as the fastest-growing state in Australia. Between 2013 and 2014, the state's population grew by 110,000 people, and by December 2024, it recorded an annual population growth rate of 2.4%, the highest among all states and territories. This growth is attributed to both natural increase (births minus deaths) and net overseas migration.
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Census data
Population
The usual resident population of Western Australia was approximately 2.7 million in 2021, an increase from 2.5 million in 2016. This growth reflects a broader trend of population increase in Western Australia over time. The 2021 Census counted almost four out of five people in the state living in the capital city area of Greater Perth, with a total population of 2.1 million.
Dwelling Characteristics
In 2021, there were 1,150,257 dwellings in Western Australia, with an average household size of 2.48 people. The majority of dwellings were separate houses, accounting for 77.1% of all dwellings, while 15.9% were medium-density dwellings, and 4.8% were high-density dwellings. The proportion of unoccupied dwellings was 10.3%, slightly higher than the Australian average of 9.6%.
Demographic Information
Economic Insights
Limitations and Future Data
It is important to acknowledge that Census data provides a snapshot of the population and dwellings at a specific point in time and may not fully capture dynamic aspects of society. The ABS recognises that some groups may be missed in the Census count, and the Estimated Resident Population is considered the most accurate measure, factoring in those missed and individuals overseas on Census night.
The next Census data release will provide updated insights into the population and dwelling characteristics of Western Australia, allowing for comparisons with previous years and a deeper understanding of the state's demographics and growth.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2021, there were 1.15 million dwellings in Western Australia.
As of 2021, the Census usual resident population of Western Australia was 2,660,026. As of June 2024, the state has 2.965 million inhabitants.
The average household size in Western Australia was 2.48 in 2021, down from 3.4 people in 1971.
In 2021, 71.2% of households in Western Australia were family households, a slight decrease from 72.7% in 2016.
