Western Australia, the largest state in Australia, has a population that reflects a fascinating mix of history, immigration, and cultural diversity. Its capital, Perth, is home to 75% of the state's population, with its metropolitan area alone housing over 2 million people as of 2017. The state's demographic growth has been shaped by its early European settlement and successive waves of immigration.

The first permanent European settlers arrived in 1826 when Britain established a settlement in Albany to assert its territorial claims against the French. Perth was founded in 1829 as part of the Swan River Colony by British and Irish settlers, though the colony struggled initially. In a bid to increase its population, convict labor was introduced, and by the time transportation ceased in 1868, convicts outnumbered free settlers. During the late 19th century, Western Australia saw a population surge thanks to the Goldfields mining boom, which attracted workers from across Australia.

Significant immigration flows began in the early 20th century, especially with projects like the Group Settlement Scheme in the 1920s, which encouraged farming in the southwest. This heightened Western Australia’s appeal as a destination for new settlers, leading to a more diverse population.

Post-World War II immigration further transformed the state, particularly with the arrival of Italians, Croatians, and Macedonians. Even today, Western Australia maintains a strong British influence, particularly in Perth, which has the highest proportion of British-born residents of any Australian state. At the 2011 census, 10.3% of the state's population was born in Britain, compared to a national average of 5.1%.

The diversity of Western Australia is evident in its ancestry as well. According to the 2016 Census, the most common ancestries are English (40.7%), Australian (33.2%), Irish (9.8%), and Scottish (9.4%), with a notable presence of Italian (5.4%) and Chinese (4.5%) ancestries. The state also has a significant Indigenous population, with 3.1% of residents identifying as Indigenous Australians.

In addition to Perth, other significant population centres in Western Australia include Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and Albany, with each region contributing to the state’s vibrant cultural landscape.

As Western Australia continues to grow, its population remains a reflection of both its colonial past and its present as a multicultural society, where people from all over the world call it home.