Latest Statistics and Factsheets
Homelessness in Western Australia
Last updated: July 2026
Homelessness in Western Australia
Homelessness in WA
At the last census, there were
9,726
people experiencing homelessness across WA.
8%
increase from 2016.
Of these,
2,315
people were sleeping rough.
14%
increase from 2016.
WA has the highest proportion of rough sleeping in Australia.
24%
of all people experiencing homelessness, compared to just 6% Australia-wide.
The rate of homelessness in WA has also slightly increased
from 36.4
per 10,000 people in 2016
to 36.6
per 10,000 people in 2021.
Homelessness services – client data
On any given day in WA,
5900
are receiving help from homelessness services.
44%
increase from five years ago.
Of these clients,
1500
report having slept rough in the last month.
126%
increase from five years ago.
The top three reasons people seek assistance from homelessness services are:
46%
Family and domestic violence.
35%
Financial difficulties.
28%
Housing affordability stress.
Every day
96 requests
for assistance are unable to be met by specialist homelessness services.
68%
increase from five years ago.
Homelessness in the Regions
References
- ABS (2023) Estimating Homelessness: Census 2021
- AIHW (2025) Specialist homelessness services annual report 2024-25
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