Ruqayyah Snyder
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, with an area of 2,527,013 square kilometres and a population of over 2.5 million people. It is divided into local government areas, which are classified as either cities, towns, or shires. One of the notable cities in Western Australia is Perth, which is future-focused and supports community well-being and sustainable development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Area | 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi) |
| Population | 2,660,026 (as of the 2021 Australian census) |
| Most Populous City | Perth |
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What You'll Learn
Perth
With its blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and modern conveniences, Perth has established itself as one of the world's most liveable cities, offering a unique Australian experience to locals and visitors alike.
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Local government areas
Western Australia is divided into local government areas (LGAs), which are responsible for maintaining roads, providing waste collection services, and managing parks, libraries, and other community services. There are currently 137 LGAs in Western Australia, which include 27 cities, 102 shires, and 8 towns. These LGAs are classified as:
Cities: These are predominantly urban areas, including significant regional centres. Before 1961, only a few cities existed, including Fremantle, Nedlands, Perth, South Perth, and Subiaco. The City of Perth underwent a significant expansion in the early 20th century due to the amalgamation of inner-city local governments, but this was reversed in 1993.
Shires: Shires are predominantly rural or outer suburban areas. All road districts became classified as shires in 1961, and this structure has been maintained. The Shire of Peppermint Grove is one example of a shire in Western Australia.
Towns: Towns are predominantly inner-urban areas, including the Town of Port Hedland. The Towns Improvement Act of 1838 established the first form of local government in some areas, empowering ratepayers to elect trustees and collect property taxes for road construction. However, many of these early town trusts experienced administrative and financial difficulties.
The Local Government Act 1995 provides for the establishment of regional local governments or "regional councils," which can be formed by two or more local governments for a specific purpose. This Act also allows for the Shire of Christmas Island and the Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands to be governed by the Western Australian Local Government Act as though it were a Commonwealth act. While these islands are included for comparison purposes, they are not technically part of Western Australia.
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Urban centres
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, covering 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi). As of the 2021 Australian census, it is the country's fourth most populous state, with 2,660,026 residents. The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines urban centres as clusters with a population of 1,000 or more of urban SA1s. SA1s are areas that subdivide all of Australia and typically have a population between 200 and 800, with an average of 400.
Perth is the best-known urban centre in Western Australia. The City of Perth has a $313 million 2025/26 budget that supports rapid growth, community wellbeing, and sustainable development.
Western Australia is divided into local government areas, which are classified as either cities, towns, or shires. These local governments are responsible for maintaining roads, providing waste collection services, and managing parks and libraries, among other duties.
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Population statistics
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, covering 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi). According to the 2021 Australian census, it is the country's fourth most populous state, with 2,660,026 residents. The Australian Bureau of Statistics, which conducts a census every five years, defines urban centres as clusters with a population of 1,000 or more of urban SA1's. SA1's are areas with 200 to 800 residents and an average population size of 400.
Western Australia is divided into local government areas, which are classified as either cities, towns, or shires. One notable city in Western Australia is Perth, which is delivering a future-focused $313 million 2025/26 budget to support rapid growth, community wellbeing, and sustainable development.
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Largest state in Australia
Australia is one of the world's largest countries, with a total land area of about 2,957,431 square miles. It is unique for its low population density and its wildlife, which is unique to the country. Australia is also famous for the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef on Earth.
Western Australia (WA) is the largest state in Australia, with an area of 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi). It is also the second-largest subdivision of any country on Earth. Western Australia is the westernmost state of Australia, with the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the northeast, and South Australia to the southeast.
The state has a diverse range of climates, including tropical conditions in the Kimberley region, deserts in the interior (including the Great Sandy Desert, Little Sandy Desert, Gibson Desert, and Great Victoria Desert), and a Mediterranean climate in the southwest and southern coastal areas. Western Australia has a low population density, with over 90% of its inhabitants residing in the southwest of the state, leaving large areas of land unoccupied. The state's capital, Perth, is home to around 80% of the state's population. Other cities in Western Australia include Broome, Albany, Bunbury, and Geraldton.
Western Australia's economy is largely driven by its mining sector, which includes the world's largest iron ore mining industry, as well as significant gold mining operations. The state is also a major producer of bauxite, petroleum, and natural gas. Outside of mining, primary industries such as agriculture, pastoralism, forestry, and fishing also contribute significantly to the state's economy. Western Australia's diverse flora and fauna include around 630 species of birds and over 11,000 native plant species.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, covering an area of 2,527,013 square kilometres.
Perth is a well-known city in Western Australia.
As of the 2021 Australian census, Western Australia is the fourth most populous state, with 2,660,026 residents.
