Population tipped to hit 40,000 by 2027

Albany’s population could exceed 40,000 within 10 years, based on new figures.

According to a report released on August 31, the City of Albany’s population increased by 276 during 2016-17, taking the number of residents to 37,561.

While that growth may seem meagre, it is an increase on the previous year’s 0.5 per cent growth — a year in which the population grew by 181.

Both figures are down on the average yearly growth from 2007 of about 1.3 per cent.

Based on these figures, Albany’s population could be expected to reach 40,000 by 2027.

Last year, the Shires of Denmark and Plantagenet also saw their populations grow by 1.8 per cent and 1.3 per cent respectively.

Other nearby shires that saw population declines include Katanning (-1.4 per cent), Wagin (-1.5 per cent), Gnowangerup (-1.9 per cent) and Kojonup (-0.4 per cent).