Poverty and living standards in Western Australia, Australia: official figures
The 2021 Census estimated 9,746 people were homeless in Western Australia, a rate of 37 per 10,000 people (the lowest of 8 states and territories).
How many renters in Western Australia are in rental stress?
28.3% of renting households in Western Australia paid more than 30% of their household income in rent at the 2021 Census (3rd lowest of 8 states and territories).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow many homeowners in Western Australia struggle with mortgage payments?
13.0% of households with a mortgage in Western Australia paid more than 30% of their household income on repayments at the 2021 Census (3rd highest of 8).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow many households in Western Australia are disadvantaged?
22.7% of households in Western Australia fell in the most disadvantaged quarter of Australian households on the ABS Index of Household Advantage and Disadvantage (2021 Census), 2nd lowest of 8 states and territories; a quarter of all households would be 25%.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow many people in Western Australia have no income?
8.2% of people in Western Australia reported no personal income at the 2021 Census (3rd highest of 8 states and territories).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyWhat percentage of people rent their home in Western Australia?
27.3% of homes in Western Australia were rented at the 2021 Census, and 2.0% were too small for the household (needing at least one extra bedroom).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow many people go bankrupt in Western Australia?
1,233 people entered personal insolvency (bankruptcy or a debt agreement) in Western Australia in 2021-22, or 45 per 100,000 residents (2nd highest of 8 states and territories).
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics · saved copyHow Western Australia compares with other states
Homeless persons per 10,000 people, Census 2021 (2021)
Western Australia ranks 8 of 8, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Homeless persons per 10,000 people, Census 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Victoria | 47 |
| 3 | New South Wales | 43 |
| 4 | Queensland | 43 |
| 5 | Tasmania | 42 |
| 6 | South Australia | 42 |
| 7 | Australian Capital Territory | 39 |
| 8 | Western Australia | 37 |
Renting households paying over 30% of income in rent, Census 2021 (2021)
Western Australia ranks 6 of 8, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Renting households paying over 30% of income in rent, Census 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Tasmania | 34.2% |
| 3 | Queensland | 32.3% |
| 4 | Victoria | 30.9% |
| 5 | South Australia | 30.5% |
| 6 | Western Australia | 28.3% |
| 7 | Australian Capital Territory | 23.0% |
| 8 | Northern Territory | 16.3% |
Households in the most disadvantaged quarter nationally, Census 2021 (2021)
Western Australia ranks 7 of 8, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Households in the most disadvantaged quarter nationally, Census 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | South Australia | 29.1% |
| 3 | Northern Territory | 27.4% |
| 4 | Queensland | 25.9% |
| 5 | New South Wales | 25.5% |
| 6 | Victoria | 23.4% |
| 7 | Western Australia | 22.7% |
| 8 | Australian Capital Territory | 14.3% |
More on Western Australia: overview · economy and jobs · health · education and schools · government budget · Australia
Sources
- Australian Bureau of Statistics: Census of Population and Housing 2021, state and territory results (via ABS Data by region): health conditions, education, housing costs, homelessness, disadvantage, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 7f6d87de31d5…)
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