Perth population growth accelerates as interstate and international migration reshapes the city

Perth is in the midst of one of its strongest population growth periods in recent memory, with the combination of internal migration from the eastern states, recovering international migration flows and a resources sector employment boom creating sustained demand for housing, services and infrastructure across the metropolitan area. The growth is broad-based rather than concentrated in specific demographic cohorts, reflecting the range of pathways through which new residents are arriving.

Internal migration from NSW and Victoria has been a particularly significant contributor to Perth's growth, as Sydney and Melbourne residents respond to Perth's housing affordability advantage and the availability of well-paid employment in the resources sector and its associated professional services ecosystem. Perth's median house price, while it has risen substantially in the current market, remains below the medians in Sydney and Melbourne, making the move financially attractive for buyers who can transfer their roles or find equivalent employment in Perth.

International migration has resumed following the disruption of border closures, with skilled migrants on resources-related visas and family reunion applicants both contributing to the inflow. The resources sector's demand for engineers, geologists, mine planners and related technical roles has been a consistent driver of skilled migration to Western Australia.

The infrastructure implications of rapid population growth are significant. Western Australia's government has been managing an infrastructure pipeline that spans roads, public transport, schools and healthcare facilities, with the Metronet rail expansion program among the most visible investments in the transport infrastructure that is needed to serve the growing metropolitan population.

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