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Media release –
National

2011 Census data shows a snapshot of Western Australia

21 June 2012 | WA/56

The changing face of Western Australia was revealed today as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the first results of the 2011 Census of Population and Housing.

The results show that the new Census resident population of Western Australia is 2,239,169, up from 1,959,086 in 2006 – an increase of 14.3 per cent.

The data also shows that the local government area with the biggest growth in Western Australia is Wanneroo, which now has 152,076 people up from 110,940 in 2006 – an increase of 41,136 or 37.1 per cent.

The local government area with the highest proportionate increase in Western Australia is East Pilbara, which grew 82.6 per cent to 11,950 people from 6,546 in 2006.

Housing in the State has also seen some significant changes over the past five years with median household weekly rents up to $300 from $170 in 2006, an increase of 76.5 per cent. This compares to the national average of $285 which was an increase of 49.2 per cent.

Median monthly household mortgage repayments also increased to $1,950 from $1,213 in 2006, an increase of 60.8 per cent. This compares to the national average of $1,800, which increased by 38.5 per cent.

ABS Western Australian Regional Director, Jacky Hodges, said the release of 2011 Census data is a big day for the State.

“It’s exciting to see Western Australia hit the two million mark for the first time in a Census,” Ms Hodges said.

“This data will help shape the future of Western Australia over the next five years,” Ms Hodges said.

“Census data is used to help determine the allocation of GST funding to our State, and to plan vital services and infrastructure for the people of Western Australia. This includes things such as hospitals and health services, schools, and public transport.”

Ms Hodges thanked the people of Western Australia for participating in the Census and encouraged everyone to make use of Australia’s richest source of statistical information.

“The 2011 Census has been a great success, due largely to the support of people across the country. In return, there is now a wealth of data available freely online, which can be used for a variety of purposes, and provides a great snapshot of your community and your State.

“The ABS has introduced a range of new, easy-to-use tools, including QuickStats, to make searching Census data fast and simple,” Ms Hodges added.

Data from the 2011 Census of Population and Housing is now available on the ABS website. Visit www.abs.gov.au/census.

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