Due to immigration, Western Australia’s population grows rapidly, filling jobs in the mining and building industries as natural birth rates fall and the gender gap expands.

The population of Western Australia has increased by 89,000 in the last year, although immigration—rather than natural birth rates—is the main cause of this rise. The state would have experienced very little population increase if not for the migrant inflow. The number of foreign workers has increased the gender difference in the state of Washington, where there are currently 12,434 more males than women. This gender disparity has been most pronounced in traditionally male-dominated industries like mining and construction.

Australia’s Overall Growth Trends

By March 2024, the total population of Australia had grown by 2.3 percent to approximately 27 million people. With a 3.1 percent increase to 2.95 million persons, Western Australia led the state population growth among the states, followed by Victoria and Queensland. However, immigration has contributed significantly more to WA’s population expansion than natural growth has. Only 14,084 more individuals were added by natural growth in 2023–2024 compared to 10,039 via interstate movement and a noteworthy 64,902 by foreign immigration.

Declining Natural Growth Rates

Over time, the state’s natural growth has progressively decreased. Over 21,000 more individuals were added to the population via natural growth ten years ago, but by 2023–2024, that number had reduced to little over 14,000 people. The biggest drop happened between 2022 and 2023, after the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects. Although a decline during the epidemic was anticipated, worries have been raised by the pattern that has continued to decline.

Many believe that this continuous reduction is the result of people choosing to have fewer children or delaying having children due to cost of living constraints. With eight straight quarters of lower-than-expected birth rates, this trend has been steady.

The Widening Gender Gap

Immigration is not just causing population expansion in Western Australia, but it is also having an effect on gender balance. Men are now outnumbering women in the state, creating a gender disparity. By March 2024, the disparity had increased to more than 12,000 from just 1,801 in 2020. The reason for this discrepancy is the increase in labor force in industries like mining and construction, which typically employ a higher percentage of men.

Though there is still a gender disparity now, experts believe that, like in the past, this gap may eventually close. Net migration outside continues to be a major driver of population growth in Australia, making up 83% of the country’s total increase in population, compared to only 17% from natural growth.

Impact of Natural Growth on Population

The number of births in Australia is still relatively low, despite the country’s near-record high natural growth of 105,500 additional inhabitants brought about by births. Meanwhile, the number of deaths is still rising due to the ageing population and the lingering effects of COVID-19. The rise in fatalities, especially in susceptible older populations, highlights the pandemic’s continuing effects even as public awareness of COVID-19 declines.

Pressures on Housing and Infrastructure

There has been talk about how the present migration levels are putting pressure on housing and infrastructure. Concerns regarding housing availability and affordability are rising as a result of record migration and a decline in the number of new building permits. This is because both Australians and newcomers are finding it harder and harder to become homeowners.

Benefits for Migrants in WA

Relocating to Western Australia has many advantages for immigrants. The state offers access to a thriving labor market, especially in industries with high demand including mining, construction, and healthcare. Additionally, immigrants can benefit from the multicultural environment’s ability to build support networks and ties within the community.

Furthermore, WA’s breathtaking natural vistas and comparatively high standard of living make it more alluring to immigrants looking for a higher standard of living. The future of the state will be significantly shaped by migrants, who will add to both cultural diversity and economic vibrancy as it expands.