A national survey has found people in Perth show greater prejudice against minority groups than other Australians.

The 'Challenging Racism Project' surveyed more than 16,000 Australians over seven years.

Of the 850 people surveyed in Perth, more than 14 per cent said they were prejudiced against other cultures, compared with a national average of about 12 per cent.

Across other states and territories the survey included people living in both city and rural areas. In WA, it was confined to the metropolitan area.

Lead researcher Kevin Dunn from the University of Western Sydney says while there were differences between the states, the greatest difference in attitudes was between generations.

"Older Australians - not all older Australians - but in general are more intolerant and younger Australians much more tolerant," he said.

Mr Dunn says that location and age showed the greatest difference in attitudes.

"In every state, attitudes vary dramatically and in a statistically significant way across age categories, across generations," he said.