The region derives most of its wealth from healthy mining and manufacturing sectors. 
Population
Over the past five years the South West's average annual growth rate was 2.3 per cent, compared to the State and national growth rates for the same period of 2.8 per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively.
Most of the population growth is forecast to occur along the coastal strip, with the biggest population increases expected for the Shire of Busselton and the Greater Bunbury area.
The population of inland areas has generally remained stable.
Population growth
Population projection
Population growth by Shire
| Sub-region / Shire |
2011 (a) | 2012 (a) | % change |
| Preston region | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bunbury | 32,440 | 33,075 |
2.0 |
| Capel | 14,906 | 15,383 |
3.2 |
| Collie | 9,315 | 9,431 |
1.2 |
| Dardanup | 12,679 | 13,065 |
3.0 |
| Donnybrook-Balingup | 5,406 | 5,524 |
2.2 |
| Harvey | 23,685 | 24,667 |
4.1 |
| Vasse region | |||
| Augusta-Margaret River | 12,219 | 12,587 |
3.0 |
| Busselton | 31,211 | 32,518 |
4.2 |
| Blackwood region | |||
| Boyup Brook | 1,614 | 1,635 |
1.3 |
| Bridgetown-Greenbushes | 4,411 | 4,505 |
2.1 |
| Manjimup | 9,428 | 9,473 |
0.5 |
| Nannup | 1,301 | 1,314 |
1.0 |
| TOTAL SOUTH WEST | 158,615 | 163,177 | 2.9 |
|
Footnotes |
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Data is based on financial years unless otherwise stated.