A new report by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre has revealed that more than 456,000 West Australians are living in poverty, despite Western Australia continuing to benefit from substantial mining royalties and strong government revenue.

According to the report, approximately 15.1 per cent of the State's population is now living below the poverty line, including nearly 99,000 children. This represents an increase from 11.8 per cent five years ago, with an additional 145,000 people falling into poverty during that period.

Around 180,000 West Australians are also estimated to be living in deep poverty.

The report defines the poverty line for a single person as having less than $541 per week remaining after housing costs, while the equivalent figure for a single parent with two children is $866.

Western Australia's poverty rate is now higher than Victoria's 13.4 per cent and Queensland's 12.8 per cent, despite the State Government recently recording a $4.1 billion budget surplus for 2025–26, including $10.5 billion in royalty income.

Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre director Alan Duncan said the problem was not simply the number of people living below the poverty line, but also how far their incomes fell short of what was needed to maintain a basic standard of living.

He identified household income and the rising cost of essential expenses, particularly housing, as two major issues contributing to financial hardship.

The findings follow a separate Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA survey of nearly 1,000 people, which found that more than 60 per cent of respondents were experiencing financial stress.

The report also highlighted that poverty was affecting working households and families with caring responsibilities, rather than only those relying on government income support.

Community welfare organisations have questioned why poverty continues to increase in one of Australia's wealthiest states, particularly while government revenue remains strong and housing, groceries, fuel and other essential living expenses continue to place pressure on households.