Perth Economy 2026: Mining Boom, Population Growth and AUKUS

Perth's economy in 2026 is one of Australia's strongest. The combination of elevated resource prices, sustained mining investment, population growth from interstate and international migration, and the emerging AUKUS submarine program at Henderson have created a period of genuine prosperity.

Resources and mining

Western Australia's resources sector — iron ore, gold, lithium, LNG and a range of other commodities — continues to generate extraordinary wealth. The Pilbara iron ore operations of BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue are the backbone. The lithium sector centred on the Pilbara and Goldfields has grown dramatically. Perth is the administrative and professional services hub for all of this activity.

AUKUS submarines

The Henderson industrial precinct south of Perth has been identified as the build and sustainment location for the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines. The investment in facilities, skilled trades and engineering capability required for the submarine program is one of the largest industrial commitments in Australian history, and Perth is at its centre.

Population growth

Perth has been one of Australia's fastest-growing cities by population. Interstate migrants from the eastern states seeking employment in the resources and construction sectors, and international migration supported by skilled visa programs, have both contributed. The population growth has driven housing construction, retail and service sector employment.

Property and construction

Perth's property market has been the strongest in the country in recent years, with median house price growth outpacing the eastern capitals. The construction sector has been operating at near-capacity. New housing estates in the northern and southern growth corridors and significant apartment development in the inner suburbs are all contributing to a busy construction economy.

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