WA has recorded its biggest quarterly increase in population in seven years this March, largely due to an increase in net migration.

ABS data reveals the State’s population grew from 2.64 million in December 2019 to 2.66m in March, with 67 per cent of that growth comprised of people migrating from overseas.

During the March quarter, 9537 people migrated to WA from overseas, up from 5747 in the previous quarter.

The State saw a 14,036 change in population from the previous quarter, the highest since March 2013 when the population jumped by 17,753 people.

CCIWA Chief Economist Aaron Morey says this population boost could largely be linked to people moving back to WA from overseas as COVID-19 spread through the northern hemisphere.

“Population growth plays an important role in sustaining the economy, particularly the housing and construction sectors. We’re seeing the evidence of this now, with record low vacancy rates, growth in house prices, and a strong outlook for the residential construction sector,” he explains.

“Looking forward, the only sustainable way to sustainably grow the population is through growing the economy. With the private sector responsible for six out of seven jobs in WA, unlocking business investment is critical to achieve that.”