WA State Final Demand expands 3.5% to $325.8bn over the year to June 2026
State Final Demand in Western Australia reached $325.8bn over the year to June 2026, expanding 3.5% to record the second-fastest growth of the eight states and territories. However, annual per capita demand grew a more subdued 1.3% to $105,229, trailing national per capita growth of 1.6% by 0.3pp as population growth diluted economic gains. Western Australia's unemployment rate stood at 4.4% in July 2026, edging up 0.2pp over the year to rank third-highest of the six reporting states. Total employment reached 1.67m persons with annual growth slowing to 0.8%, the second-slowest of the six reporting states. While full-time employment grew just 0.5%, the jobless rate remains 0.56pp below its 10-year average of 4.93%. Against the other states, WA ranks state final demand growth 2nd highest of 8 states (2026-Jun) and unemployment rate 3rd highest of 6 reporting (2026-Jul).
Cash rate and bond yields, exchange rates and commodities, and equities and superannuation are national series with no state breakdown — see the Australia page.
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The Western Australia economy this week
5 key pointsWA leads the nation in population growth at 2.1% as house prices rise 18.8%
Western Australia's economy is led by nation-topping population growth of 2.1% in the year to March 2026. Demographic pressure has elevated property demand, pushing Perth house prices up 18.8% and lifting State Final Demand by 3.5%. However, population expansion diluted per capita gains, with real per capita consumption rising just 0.3%. Meanwhile, headline inflation at 3.8% outpaces wage growth of 3.3%, compressing household purchasing power as employment growth slows to 0.8%.
1
Western Australia's population grew 2.1% over the year to March 2026, the fastest of the eight states and territories and 0.7pp faster than Australia's 1.4%.
2
Perth house prices rose 18.8% over the year to June 2026 to $1.01m, equal second-fastest of the eight states and territories and 13.3pp faster than Australia.
3
Housing finance commitments in WA rose 13.5% over the year to June 2026, the second-fastest of the eight states and territories and 6.9pp faster than Australia.
4
State Final Demand reached $325.8bn in the year to June 2026, growing 3.5% to record the second-fastest rate of the eight states and territories.
5
WA's unemployment rate stood at 4.4% in July 2026, 0.1pp below Australia's 4.5% and the third-highest of the six reporting states.
Economy
GDP & Economic Output
State Final Demand
$325.8bn
+3.5%
Australia $2,753.8bn (+3.1%)
WA as at 2026-Jun
State Final Demand per Capita
$105,229
+1.3%
Australia $98,629 (+1.6%)
WA as at 2026-Jun
WA State Final Demand expands 3.5% to $325.8bn over the year to June 2026
State Final Demand in Western Australia reached $325.8bn over the year to June 2026, expanding 3.5% to record the second-fastest growth of the eight states and territories. However, annual per capita demand grew a more subdued 1.3% to $105,229, trailing national per capita growth of 1.6% by 0.3pp as population growth diluted economic gains.
State Final Demand in Western Australia totalled $82.4bn in the June Quarter of 2026, with $325.8bn recorded over the rolling year. Annual State Final Demand grew 3.5% year-on-year, outperforming the national growth rate of 3.1% by 0.4pp. Growth in the June Quarter was 3.6% compared to the same period twelve months earlier. Across the domestic economy, headline activity maintained an expanding trajectory, supported by elevated domestic demand across both public and private sectors.
On an individual basis, State Final Demand per capita reached $105,229 per person annually in June 2026, running 6.8% above its long-term average of $98,505. Quarterly per capita demand stood at $26,610, which was 7.1% above its average of $24,839. While headline State Final Demand grew 3.5%, per capita demand grew just 1.3% over the year. Rapid demographic expansion diluted overall gains, resulting in per capita growth trailing the national per capita rate of 1.6% by 0.3pp.
With 12-month demand growth of 3.5%, Western Australia recorded the second-fastest growth of the eight states and territories, trailing South Australia (+3.7%) and outpacing the Northern Territory (-1.9%). On a per capita basis, WA's 1.3% growth placed it mid-pack among the eight states and territories, behind South Australia (+2.7%) and ahead of the Northern Territory (-3.4%). States are compared on State Final Demand, as GDP by state is not published in quarterly National Accounts.
WA against the other states
2
State Final Demand growth — 2nd highest of 8 states
at 3.5% (2026-Jun)
5
State Final Demand per Capita growth — 5th of 8 states
at 1.3% (2026-Jun)
States are compared on State Final Demand. GDP by state is not published - national GDP is on the Australia page.
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Population & Migration
Population
3,096,222
+2.1%
Australia 27,921,150 (+1.4%)
WA as at 2026-Mar
Net Overseas Migration
41,531
-4.3%
Australia 292,137 (-5.6%)
WA as at 2026-Mar
Net Interstate Migration
10,314
-2,193 people
WA as at 2026-Mar
WA population reaches 3.10 million with nation-leading 2.1% annual growth
Western Australia's population reached 3.10 million as at March 2026, expanding by 2.1% over the year to lead the nation. Growth was driven by an influx of net interstate migrants, which stood at 3.3 per 1,000 residents to rank highest among the states and territories. Net overseas migration added 41,531 persons, though annual overseas inflows contracted by 4.3%.
Western Australia's population reached 3.10 million as at March 2026, representing 3,096,222 residents and an annual growth rate of 2.1%. This 2.1% expansion outpaced the national growth rate of 1.4% by 0.7pp, recording the fastest growth of the eight states and territories. Demographic momentum remained strong, driven by sustained domestic and international attraction, positioning the state well ahead of other jurisdictions.
Net overseas migration contributed 41,531 persons over the year, falling 4.3% compared to the prior year (growth of -4.3% vs 10-year average of +12.8%, down 17.1pp). Natural increase added 12.8k persons, declining 5.2% over the year. Net interstate migration delivered 10,314 persons (10.3k), which fell by 2,193 people compared to the prior year but stood 149.6% above its 10-year average of 4.1k. Interstate arrivals represent the most elevated growth component relative to historical norms.
Western Australia's 2.1% population growth led the nation, outpacing Queensland (+1.6%) and well above Tasmania (+0.6%). On a per-capita basis, net interstate migration reached 3.3 per 1,000 people, the highest of the eight states and territories, leading Queensland (2.6 per 1,000) while the Northern Territory lost residents at -5.9 per 1,000. Net overseas migration contracted 4.3% in WA compared to a 5.6% drop nationally, with WA growing 1.3pp faster than Australia.
WA against the other states
1
Population growth — Highest of 8 states
at 2.1% (2026-Mar)
1
Net Interstate Migration per 1,000 People — Highest of 8 states
at 3.3 per 1,000 (2026-Mar)
Net interstate migration is ranked per 1,000 residents so it is not simply a ranking of state size. Australia-wide it nets to zero.
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Property
Development Activity
Dwelling Approvals (rolling year)
26,053
+13.2%
Australia 206,298 (+8.8%)
WA as at 2026-Jul
Dwelling Approvals per 1,000 People
8.4 per 1,000
+10.5%
Australia 7.4 per 1,000 (+7.2%)
WA as at 2026-Jul
WA dwelling approvals climb 13.2% to 26,053 in the year to July 2026
Dwelling approvals in Western Australia climbed 13.2% over the rolling year to July 2026, reaching 26,053 approvals. At 8.4 approvals per 1,000 residents, WA ranked equal second-highest of the eight states and territories. However, while commencements grew 15.3% to 24.2k, completions fell 8.7% to 19.9k in the year to March 2026, highlighting an ongoing completion bottleneck.
A total of 26,053 dwellings (26.1k) were approved in Western Australia in the year to July 2026, representing an annual increase of 13.2%. Building approvals reached 8.4 per 1,000 people, up 10.5% over the year and running 1.0pp above the national figure of 7.4 per 1,000. Approvals per 1,000 people stood at 8 vs the 10-year average of 7 (+20.8%). The approval pipeline has maintained an upward trajectory, supported by high population growth.
Across the pipeline, commencements totalled 24.2k in the year to March 2026, up 15.3% over the year (growth of +15.3% vs 10-year average of -0.9%, up 16.2pp) with commencements at 8 per 1,000 residents vs the average of 7 (+15.0%). In contrast, completions contracted 8.7% to 19.9k (growth of -8.7% vs 10-year average of -4.7%, down 4.0pp), with other completed dwellings down 33.3% vs average -11.6% (-21.7pp). Attached approvals grew 18.1% vs average -2.6% (+20.7pp), showing a shift in project density.
Western Australia's 8.4 approvals per 1,000 people was equal second-highest of the eight states and territories alongside Queensland, behind the ACT (8.5 per 1,000) and above the NT (3.3 per 1,000). On rolling-year growth (+13.2%), WA was 4.4pp faster than Australia (+8.8%), sitting mid-pack among the eight states and territories behind the ACT (+39.4%) and ahead of Victoria (-0.6%). In non-residential building, commercial approvals grew 1.3% vs average +6.3% (-5.0pp), with retail up 17.5% vs average +1.6% (+15.9pp) and offices down 11.5% vs average +0.9% (-12.4pp).
WA against the other states
5
Dwelling Approvals (rolling year) growth — 5th of 8 states
at 13.2% (2026-Jul)
2
Dwelling Approvals per 1,000 People — Equal 2nd highest of 8 states
at 8.4 per 1,000 (2026-Jul)
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Housing Market
Capital City House Price
$1.01m
+18.8%
Australia $1.09m (+5.5%)
WA as at 2026-Jun
Regional House Price
$665k
+20.9%
Australia $745k (+8.9%)
WA as at 2026-Jun
WA capital city house prices reach $1.01m after rising 18.8% over the year
Perth house prices rose 18.8% over the year to June 2026 to reach $1.01m, while regional house prices climbed 20.9% to $665k. Growth was equal second-fastest among the eight states and territories in the capital and fastest of seven reporting jurisdictions regionally. Rapid gains pushed capital city house price-to-income multiples to 8.38x, placing housing in seriously unaffordable territory.
The median house price in the Western Australia capital city reached $1.01m in the June Quarter of 2026, up 18.8% over the year. Attached dwelling prices in the capital rose 21.7% to $730,000. Regional markets recorded even sharper appreciation, with regional house prices reaching $665,000 ($665k), up 20.9% over the year, and regional attached dwellings rising 26.8% against a 10-year average of 5.7% (+21.1pp). Price growth accelerated across all sectors over the past twelve months.
Capital city houses are priced at 8.38x annual household income, sitting 26.9% above the 10-year average of 6.60x and placing the market in seriously unaffordable territory. Attached dwellings in the capital at 6.06x income (vs average 4.95x, +22.4%) offer comparatively better affordability. In regional Western Australia, house prices stand at 5.52x income (vs average 4.40x, +25.4%), while regional attached dwellings sit at 4.31x income (vs average 3.41x, +26.2%). Affordability pressures have intensified statewide.
Price acceleration occurred alongside retreating turnover, as capital city house sales fell 11.8% over the year (vs average +0.6%, -12.4pp) and attached sales dropped 15.4% (vs average +4.0%, -19.4pp). Regional house sales fell 9.3% vs average +3.5% (-12.8pp). In state rankings, WA's capital price growth of 18.8% was equal second-fastest of the eight states and territories alongside Queensland, trailing the NT (+21.4%) and above NSW (-2.1%). Regional price growth of 20.9% was the fastest of the seven reporting states and territories.
WA against the other states
2
Capital City House Price growth — Equal 2nd highest of 8 states
at 18.8% (2026-Jun)
1
Regional House Price growth — Highest of 7 reporting
at 20.9% (2026-Jun)
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Housing Finance
Housing Finance Commitments
$11.7bn
+13.5%
Australia $99.0bn (+6.6%)
WA as at 2026-Jun
New-Build Share of Lending
24.4%
+2.7pp
Australia 18.2% (+2.1pp)
WA as at 2026-Jun
WA housing finance expands 13.5% to $11.7bn in the year to June 2026
Housing finance commitments in Western Australia reached $11.7bn in the June Quarter of 2026, rising 13.5% over the year to rank second-fastest of the eight states and territories. New-build lending captured 24.4% of purchase commitments, outperforming the national share of 18.2% by 6.2pp and sitting above its average since 2019 of 22.7%.
Housing finance commitments in Western Australia totalled $11.7bn in the June Quarter of 2026, up 13.5% compared to a year ago. Outpacing national lending growth of 6.6% by 6.9pp, this represented the second-fastest growth of the eight states and territories behind Tasmania (+28.3%) and ahead of New South Wales (+1.3%). Lending volumes continued on an upward trajectory, supported by rapid property price appreciation and sustained borrower demand.
Owner-occupier commitments totalled $7.2bn, up 10.6% compared to the prior year. Investor lending reached $4.5bn, rising 18.5% over the twelve-month period. Owner-occupiers took the larger share of total lending, but investor credit expanded at a faster pace, reflecting heightened participation in response to rising rental yields and capital gains across both metropolitan and regional markets.
New builds captured 24.4% of dwelling purchase lending, above the average since 2019 of 22.7% (+1.74pp) and 6.2pp above the Australian figure of 18.2%. This was the second-highest of the eight states and territories behind South Australia (24.8%) and ahead of New South Wales (13.4%). Total new-build lending reached $2.9bn (vs average $1.7bn, +66.6%), with investor new-build lending at $1.1bn (vs average $444m, +136.7%) and owner-occupier new-build at $1.8bn (vs avg $1.1bn, +56.9%), while existing dwelling loans stood at $8.9bn (vs avg $5.9bn, +50.0%).
WA against the other states
2
Housing Finance Commitments growth — 2nd highest of 8 states
at 13.5% (2026-Jun)
2
New-Build Share of Lending — 2nd highest of 8 states
at 24.4% (2026-Jun)
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Rental Market
Median Rent (rolling year)
$686/wk
+6.4%
Australia $625/wk (+5.6%)
WA as at 2026-Mar
Median Rent Growth
6.5%
-6.0pp
Australia 5.6% (-1.8pp)
WA as at 2026-Mar
Rent as a Share of Earnings
29.8%
+1.1pp
Australia 29.4% (+0.5pp)
WA as at 2026-Mar
WA median rent reaches $686 per week rolling year with 6.4% annual growth
Western Australia's rolling-year median rent reached $686 per week in the March Quarter of 2026, rising 6.4% over the year to sit 9.8% above the national median of $625 per week. Spot median rent was $711 per week. Rents consumed 29.8% of average full-time weekly earnings, ranking second-highest among the five reporting states as rental affordability worsened.
The median rent in Western Australia reached $711 per week in the March Quarter of 2026, or $686 per week on a rolling-year basis, reflecting an annual increase of 6.4%. Rolling-year rent growth outpaced the national rate of 5.6% by 0.8pp, with the WA median of $686 per week sitting 9.8% above the Australian benchmark of $625 per week. The spot quarterly median of $711 per week grew 7.4% over the year, standing 35.0% above its long-term average of $526.70.
In the capital city, rolling-year median rents reached $719 per week, up 6.7% over the year and 35.1% above the historical average of $532.33. Regional rents reached $665 per week, standing 34.2% above the average of $495.55. The capital city rent premium sat at 9.80%, below its historical average of 10.61% (-7.6%), as strong rental appreciation across regional Western Australia narrowed the price gap between metropolitan and country localities.
Rent claimed 29.8% of average full-time weekly earnings, up 1.1pp over the year to rank as the second-highest of the five reporting states behind NSW (33.0%) and above Tasmania (26.2%). Median rent growth of 6.5% was the third-highest of the five reporting states behind Tasmania (7.7%) and ahead of South Australia (6.0%). Victoria's figures are the latest published (September 2025 quarter); the national series carries Victoria forward until DFFH publishes. CPI Rents rose 5.80% vs average 1.78% (+225.4%).
WA against the other states
3
Median Rent Growth — 3rd highest of 5 reporting
at 6.5% (2026-Mar)
4
Rent as a Share of Earnings — 2nd highest of 5 reporting
at 29.8% (2026-Mar)
Not in this comparison: VIC (latest 2025-Sep), NT (no data), ACT (no data). Rent series are published on different schedules by each state. Every rank here is taken at one common quarter; states without a value at that quarter are listed with their own latest period instead.
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Jobs & wages
Employment
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
+0.2pp
Australia 4.5% (+0.2pp)
WA as at 2026-Jul
Total Employment
1.67m
+0.8%
Australia 14.81m (+1.3%)
WA as at 2026-Jul
WA unemployment rate edges up to 4.4% in July 2026 as job growth slows to 0.8%
Western Australia's unemployment rate stood at 4.4% in July 2026, edging up 0.2pp over the year to rank third-highest of the six reporting states. Total employment reached 1.67m persons with annual growth slowing to 0.8%, the second-slowest of the six reporting states. While full-time employment grew just 0.5%, the jobless rate remains 0.56pp below its 10-year average of 4.93%.
The unemployment rate in Western Australia stood at 4.4% as at July 2026 (4.37%), edging up 0.2pp (+0.19pp) compared to a year ago. The unemployment rate remains 0.56pp below its 10-year average of 4.93%. Having troughed earlier in the cycle, the unemployment rate has turned upward over the past year, matching the 0.2pp annual rise observed nationally and indicating a gradual cooling in labour absorption.
Total employment reached 1.67m persons (1,668k) in July 2026, representing an annual increase of 0.8%. Full-time employment rose 0.5% to 1,166k, falling 2.5pp below its 10-year average growth rate of 3.0%. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed persons increased 5.5% over the year, running 7.2pp above its 10-year average of -1.7%. The divergence between slow full-time hiring and expanding unemployed numbers confirms a deceleration in employment creation.
WA's unemployment rate of 4.4% sat 0.1pp below Australia's 4.5%, ranking as the third-highest of the six reporting states behind Victoria (5.1%) and above South Australia (4.1%). NT and ACT are not in this comparison as their latest data is March 2026. Annual employment growth of 0.8% lagged the national 1.3% by 0.5pp, ranking as the second-slowest of the six reporting states ahead of Tasmania (-0.6%) and behind Queensland (+1.9%).
WA against the other states
4
Unemployment Rate — 3rd highest of 6 reporting
at 4.4% (2026-Jul)
5
Total Employment growth — 2nd lowest of 6 reporting
at 0.8% (2026-Jul)
Not in this comparison: NT (latest 2026-Mar), ACT (latest 2026-Mar).
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Job Advertisements
Job Advertisements
81,692
+2.9%
Australia 627,215 (-1.7%)
WA as at 2026-Jul
WA job advertisements rise 2.9% to 81,692 in July 2026, defying national drop
Job advertisements in Western Australia totalled 81,692 in July 2026, rising 2.9% over the year to record the second-fastest growth of the eight states and territories. This gain contrasted with a 1.7% national decline. Hiring demand was led by industrial and trades advertising, which grew 9.2% over the year to 25.3k, while sales advertisements fell 1.1%.
Job advertisements in Western Australia totalled 81,692 (81.7k) in July 2026, rising 2.9% compared to a year ago. While this annual pace was 4.9pp below the 10-year average growth rate of 7.8%, advertising volumes continued to expand. In contrast to the national trend where job ads contracted 1.7%, Western Australian employers continued to lodge new vacancies, reflecting ongoing labour requirements across specialized sectors.
Hiring demand diverged across categories. Industrial and trades advertisements led recruitment activity, reaching 25.3k positions with an annual growth rate of 9.2%. Professional job ads reached 20.0k, growing 1.4% over the year to sit 6.3pp below their 10-year average growth rate of 7.7%. In contrast, sales job ads contracted 1.1% over the year, underperforming their 10-year average of 5.0% by 6.1pp, pointing to softer retail recruitment.
Western Australia's 2.9% increase in job advertisements was 4.6pp faster than Australia (-1.7%), placing WA as the second-fastest of the eight states and territories behind South Australia (+3.3%) and well ahead of the Northern Territory (-7.7%). Job advertisements historically lead employment by three to six months; the continued expansion in industrial listings in WA indicates sustained operational demand in production and trade-exposed industries.
WA against the other states
2
Job Advertisements growth — 2nd highest of 8 states
at 2.9% (2026-Jul)
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Wages & Earnings
Wage Price Index
161.1
+3.3%
Australia 161.2 (+3.2%)
WA as at 2026-Jun
Full-Time Weekly Earnings
$2,318
+2.7%
Australia $2,157 (+3.5%)
WA as at 2026-May
WA Wage Price Index grows 3.3% in June 2026 with weekly earnings at $2,318
The Wage Price Index in Western Australia rose 3.3% over the year to the June Quarter of 2026, ranking equal third-fastest of the eight states and territories. Full-time weekly earnings reached $2,318 in May 2026, sitting 7.5% above the national average of $2,156. However, with headline inflation at 3.8%, real wages declined, reducing purchasing power for full-time workers.
Wages grew 3.3% over the year to the June Quarter of 2026, as measured by the Wage Price Index, which reached 161.1. This level sits 15.5% above its 10-year average of 139.5. Annual wage growth was 0.1pp faster than the national rate of 3.2%, representing a steady pace of pay expansion that remains closely aligned with broader wage trends across the country.
Average weekly full-time earnings in Western Australia reached $2,318 in May 2026, equivalent to $120,156 per year, up 2.7% compared to a year ago. With consumer price inflation running at 3.8% over the same period, real wages contracted, meaning workers experienced a loss in purchasing power over the twelve months as living costs outpaced nominal wage growth.
Western Australia's Wage Price Index growth of 3.3% was equal third-fastest of the eight states and territories alongside the ACT, trailing South Australia (+3.6%) and leading the Northern Territory (+2.8%). While WA full-time earnings growth of 2.7% lagged national earnings growth of 3.5% by 0.8pp, WA's weekly earnings level of $2,318 remained 7.5% higher than the Australian figure of $2,156, reflecting the high-income base of the state workforce.
WA against the other states
3
Wage Price Index growth — Equal 3rd highest of 8 states
at 3.3% (2026-Jun)
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Households
Household Consumption
Household Consumption
$40.2bn
+2.4%
WA as at 2026-Jun
Household Consumption per Capita
$12,986
+0.3%
WA as at 2026-Jun
WA household consumption rises 2.4% to $40.2bn in the June Quarter of 2026
Household consumption in Western Australia reached $40.2bn in the June Quarter of 2026, up 2.4% over the year. However, quarterly per capita consumption of $12,986 grew just 0.3%, ranking equal third-slowest among the eight states and territories. Essential spending on food rose 2.7% to $4.1bn, while discretionary categories including alcohol and transport contracted.
Household consumption expenditure in Western Australia totalled $40.2bn in the June Quarter of 2026, an increase of 2.4% over the year according to National Accounts data. On an individual basis, quarterly consumption per capita reached $12,986, up just 0.3% over the year. Because population expanded rapidly over the same timeframe, per-person consumption volumes experienced minimal real growth, showing that aggregate expenditure increases were largely absorbed by headcount gains.
Among expenditure categories, food consumption reached $4.1bn, up 2.7% over the year. In contrast, several key spending lines fell below historical benchmarks. Transport consumption contracted 0.4%, underperforming its 10-year average growth of +4.8% by 5.2pp. Power spending declined 1.4%, running 3.9pp below its 10-year average of +2.5%. Spending on alcohol fell 2.6%, trailing its 10-year average of +0.7% by 3.3pp, indicating household cutbacks in non-essential areas.
Per capita household consumption growth of 0.3% placed Western Australia equal third-slowest of the eight states and territories alongside Queensland, behind Tasmania (+1.5%) and ahead of Victoria (+0.0%). No meaningful national comparator is published for state household consumption in this series. The subdued per capita outcome reflects household budget pressures from elevated living expenses and higher housing costs.
WA against the other states
6
Household Consumption per Capita growth — Equal 3rd lowest of 8 states
at 0.3% (2026-Jun)
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Household Spending
Household Spending
$28.9bn
+9.0%
Australia $244.5bn (+6.2%)
WA as at 2026-Jul
Household Spending per Capita
$9,332
+7.2%
Australia $8,757 (+4.9%)
WA as at 2026-Jul
WA household spending grows 9.0% to $28.9bn in July 2026, beating national pace
Monthly household spending in Western Australia reached $28.9bn in July 2026, rising 9.0% compared to a year ago and outpacing national growth by 2.8pp. Per capita spending reached $9,332, up 7.2% to rank third-fastest of the eight states and territories. Both discretionary spending like recreation (+10.8%) and essentials like food (+6.8%) recorded elevated growth.
Household spending in Western Australia totalled $28.9bn in July 2026, representing an annual increase of 9.0% compared to a year ago. This monthly ABS series outpaced Australia's 6.2% spending growth by 2.8pp. Per capita monthly spending reached $9,332, up 7.2% over the year and running 28.7% above its 10-year average of $7,248. Annualised per capita spending stood at $36,718, which was 27.3% above its 10-year average of $28,843.
Discretionary spending showed notable gains, led by recreation expenditure which grew 10.8% over the year (5.2pp above its 10-year average of 5.6%). Miscellaneous goods and services rose 11.3% (4.8pp above its 10-year average of 6.5%), and clothing grew 9.2% (4.7pp above its average of 4.5%). In essential spending, food purchases totalled $4.6bn, up 6.8% over the year, while alcoholic beverages and tobacco rose 1.3% to $929m.
Western Australia's per capita spending growth of 7.2% outpaced the national 4.9% by 2.3pp, ranking as the third-fastest of the eight states and territories behind the Northern Territory (+8.9%) and ahead of the ACT (+4.0%). At $9,332, WA per capita spending sits 6.6% above the Australian average of $8,757. Robust nominal spending reflects strong population growth alongside elevated consumer prices.
WA against the other states
3
Household Spending per Capita growth — 3rd highest of 8 states
at 7.2% (2026-Jul)
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Inflation & Cost of Living
Consumer Price Index
103.3
+3.8%
Australia 103.1 (+3.5%)
WA as at 2026-Jul
Housing CPI
104.3
+5.6%
Australia 104.7 (+5.0%)
WA as at 2026-Jul
WA inflation rises to 3.8% in July 2026, exceeding the RBA 2-3% target band
Western Australia's Consumer Price Index rose 3.8% over the year to July 2026, exceeding the national rate of 3.5% and remaining above the Reserve Bank of Australia's 2-3% target band. Housing inflation was a key contributor at 5.6%, outpacing Australia's 5.0%. With wage growth at 3.3%, inflation continues to outpace earnings, causing real wages to contract.
Inflation in Western Australia was 3.8% in the year to July 2026, with the Consumer Price Index reaching 103.3. This headline reading stands 20.5% above its 10-year average index level of 85.7. Inflation remains above the Reserve Bank of Australia's 2-3% target band and outpaces Australia's national rate of 3.5% by 0.3pp. Monthly momentum series are not separately detailed in the reported data, but annual headline inflation continues on an elevated trajectory.
Housing costs represented a key pressure point, rising 5.6% over the year to reach an index level of 104.3, which sits 33.8% above its 10-year average of 78.0. Additional price pressures were evident across component indices reaching 103.4 (27.7% above average of 80.9), 105.2 (21.7% above average of 86.5), and 103.6 (20.2% above average of 86.2). Elevated housing and utility expenses continue to drive consumer living costs higher.
WA's 3.8% inflation rate was the third-fastest of the eight states and territories, behind Tasmania (+4.5%) and above the ACT (+3.2%). Housing CPI growth of 5.6% was 0.6pp above Australia (5.0%), ranking mid-pack among the eight states and territories between the ACT (+3.6%) and Tasmania (+8.9%). With nominal wage growth running at 3.3%, Western Australian workers experienced negative real wage growth, as consumer prices rose faster than pay.
WA against the other states
6
Consumer Price Index growth — 3rd highest of 8 states
at 3.8% (2026-Jul)
4
Housing CPI growth — 4th of 8 states
at 5.6% (2026-Jul)
CPI is ranked lowest to highest. A low reading is not automatically a good outcome - it is stated as a position, not a verdict.
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