4.2 Drivers of infrastructure demand - population and economy
Based on medium level projections by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, WA's population is projected to reach 3.97 million in 2031 -an increase of 1.62 million people, or 69 per cent, from 2011. This is higher than the WA Government's medium level population projection of 3.69 million in 2031.393
As shown in Table 61, the state's economy is projected to grow considerably faster than the population, and both are projected to grow at a higher rate than any other state or territory in the 20 years to 2031. WA's share of the country's economy and population is projected to increase markedly over the period.
Employment in Perth is projected to grow from one million to 1.68 million by 2031. Most of this growth will be located in Perth City, Swan, Stirling and Wanneroo.
Table 61: Projected population and economic growth for Western Australia
| 2011 | % of National | 2031 | % of National | Increase % | |
| Population (persons) | 2,353,409 | 10.5% | 3,970,021 | 13.0% | 69% |
| Gross State Product ($m) | 221,852 | 15.8% | 513,007 | 19.9% | 131% |
Source: ACIL Allen Consulting (2014a)394
Figure 79: Population projections for Western Australia, 2011-31
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Greater Perth
Balance of 
Total Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013c)395
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393. At the time of writing the WA Government had not updated its population projections to take account of 2011 Census data.
394. Gross State Product is in 2010-11 prices.
395. Series B (medium level) projections.