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Australia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with around 3 people per square kilometre. This is due to the fact that most of the country's interior is desert and uninhabitable. However, the population is heavily urbanised, with 90% of Australians living in just 0.22% of the country's land area, and 87% living within 50km of the coast. As a result, cities like Sydney and Melbourne have much higher population densities than the national average, with Sydney at 1,900 people per square kilometre, and Melbourne at 1,500. This has implications for urban sustainability, housing, and job opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population Density | 3.5 people per square kilometre |
| Population | 25.5 million |
| World Ranking in Population | 55th |
| Population Density Compared to the US | 1/10th of the US population density |
| Population Density Compared to the UK | 1/75th of the UK population density |
| Population Density of Major Cities | Melbourne: 1,500 people per square kilometre; Sydney: 1,900 people per square kilometre; Parramatta, Sydney: 4,800 people per square kilometre; Potts Point, Chippendale, and Ultimo, Sydney: 15,000 people per square kilometre; Brisbane: 996th least densely populated; Adelaide: 444 people per square kilometre |
| Population Density and Housing | Higher population density areas have shown stronger rental appreciation for units but weaker growth for houses |
| Population Density and Jobs | Higher population density areas have more job opportunities |
| Population Density and Sustainability | Higher population density leads to more sustainable cities |
| Population Density and Community | Higher population density provides access to a larger community |
| Population Density and Migration | Migration is a significant factor in Australia's population growth |
| Population Density and Urbanisation | 90% of the population lives in just 0.22% of the country's land area |
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What You'll Learn
Population density in major cities
Australia's population density is one of the lowest in the world, with about 3 people per square kilometre as of 2020. However, the population density in its major cities is comparable to the rest of the Western world.
The eight Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSA) are the unique statistical divisions that represent the broadest possible concept of each state or territory capital city. Each capital city forms its own GCCSA, which represents a broad functional definition of each of the eight state and territory capital cities.
Sydney, Australia's most populous city, has a population density of 1,900 people per square kilometre, ranking 936th in the world. Melbourne, Australia's largest urban area geographically, has a population density of 1,500 people per square kilometre, ranking 955th. Brisbane is the least densely populated state capital in Australia. Parramatta, an inner suburb of Sydney, can be considered densely populated with 4,800 people per square kilometre.
The Gold Coast is the least densely populated major city in Australia, with 1,003 people per square kilometre.
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Comparisons to other countries
Australia is a vast country with a total land area of about 7.7 million square kilometers, which is slightly smaller than the total area of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. However, despite its large landmass, Australia has a relatively small population. With a population of around 25 million people, Australia's population density is approximately 3.3 people per square kilometer. This makes Australia the third-lowest densely populated country in the world, ahead of only Mongolia and Namibia.
When compared to other countries, Australia's low population density becomes even more apparent. For example, the United Kingdom, with a similar land area to Australia, has a population density of 275 people per square kilometer, while Japan, which is known for its dense cities and limited land area, has a population density of 337 people per square kilometer. Even countries with a larger land mass, such as Canada and Russia, have higher population densities than Australia, with 4 people and 9 people per square kilometer respectively.
A comparison with the most populated country, China, is also interesting. China has a population density of 145 people per square kilometer, which is significantly higher than Australia's. However, when comparing like-for-like urban areas, the differences become less extreme. For example, Sydney, Australia's largest city, has a population density of around 4,000 people per square kilometer, while Shanghai, China's most populous city, has a density of 3,800 people per square mile.
Australia's low population density has resulted in a unique set of challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, the country faces issues with providing infrastructure and services to a sparse population, particularly in remote and rural areas. On the other hand, Australia has a wealth of natural resources and wide-open spaces, which contribute to a high quality of life and a strong sense of freedom and space for its residents. This balance between development and preservation is an ongoing discussion in Australian politics and society.
Despite its low population density, Australia is a highly urbanized country, with around 70% of its population living in urban areas. This is comparable to other developed countries such as the United States (82%) and Germany (77%). Australia's capital cities, particularly Sydney and Melbourne, have similar population densities to other global cities. However, when compared to other countries, Australia has a higher proportion of its population living in regional and remote areas, contributing to the overall lower population density.
In summary, Australia's population density is low when compared to other countries, and this has shaped the unique characteristics of the country. The balance between development and preservation is a key consideration for Australia's future, particularly in terms of infrastructure, services, and the utilization of natural resources. Australia's low population density also contributes to its high quality of life and sense of space and freedom for its residents.
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Housing market impact
Australia has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with about 3 people per square kilometre as of June 2020. However, this figure does not accurately reflect the density of its major cities, which are comparable to those in the rest of the Western world. For instance, Sydney, the country's most populous city, has a population density of 1,900 people per square kilometre, while Melbourne, the largest urban area geographically, has 1,500 people per square kilometre.
The low overall population density in Australia can be attributed to the country's vast desert regions, which cover much of its interior and make it challenging to live there. However, the population is heavily concentrated along the coast, particularly in large cities like Sydney and Melbourne, which exhibit higher population densities.
Now, let's discuss the impact of population density on the housing market:
The housing market in Australia is significantly influenced by population density, and this impact is twofold. Firstly, as more people move into densely populated areas, the demand for housing increases, leading to the construction of additional dwellings. This often results in the conversion of green spaces into apartment buildings and houses, as seen in cities like Brisbane, Queensland. Consequently, natural landscapes are affected, and the promotion of sustainable urban development becomes a crucial consideration.
Secondly, population density can impact housing affordability. For example, Los Angeles, infamous for its urban sprawl, has a higher population density than any Australian city, yet it is also known for its high housing prices. In contrast, Australian cities like Melbourne and Sydney, despite their large geographical areas, are more affordable, as evidenced by their rankings in the Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey.
Furthermore, population density can influence income levels, as suggested by research on American cities. According to this research, an increase in urban density is associated with higher incomes. This relationship may be due to the concentration of jobs in densely populated areas, providing more employment opportunities for residents.
The impact of population density on the housing market also extends to urban sustainability. Densely populated areas can promote self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on the surrounding countryside through sustainable construction and greener city planning initiatives. Additionally, living in these areas offers instant access to a community, potentially fostering social connections and enhancing residents' overall well-being.
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Urban sustainability
Australia has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with about 3 people per square kilometre as of June 2020. This is due to the country's large landmass and the fact that much of its interior is desert, making it uninhabitable. However, this overall figure does not accurately reflect the population density of Australia's major cities, which are comparable to those of other Western countries.
The country's most populous city, Sydney, has a population density of 1,900 people per square kilometre, while Melbourne, the country's largest urban area, has a density of 1,500 people per square kilometre. These figures place Sydney and Melbourne among the least densely populated cities in the world, ranking 936th and 955th out of 1,040 cities surveyed by Demographia.
The low population density in Australia's cities has implications for urban sustainability, which aims to create self-sufficient cities that are less reliant on the surrounding countryside. As cities become more populated, there is pressure to develop green spaces, impacting natural landscapes. To address this, some Australian cities have proposed amendments to require apartment buildings to include green spaces.
Additionally, urban sustainability in Australia should consider social factors, such as equity, community, and urbanity, to ensure that the social value of an area is sustained as it develops. This includes evaluating the role of urban planning and the sharing economy in building social capital within communities.
Furthermore, population density can affect the concentration of jobs within an area. Places with higher population densities tend to offer more job opportunities due to the larger number of businesses and economic activities in those regions. Therefore, as Australia's cities continue to grow, sustainable construction efforts and greener city planning will become increasingly important to ensure urban sustainability.
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Population growth
Australia's population growth has been driven by various factors, including migration and urbanization. The country's population has grown significantly since the time of British colonization in 1788, when the Indigenous population was estimated to be between 300,000 and 2,400,000. The European component's share of the population rose sharply in the late 18th and 19th centuries due to immigration, and Australia remains a major immigration destination today.
The population growth rate in Australia has been declining over the years. The rate of natural increase, which was as high as 17.4 per thousand population in the years 1912-1914, fell to 7.1 during the Great Depression. It rose sharply after World War II due to the baby boom and immigration, but has been falling since 1962 due to decreasing fertility rates. The current ten-year average annual growth rate is 1.4%, and it is projected to decline further to between 0.2% and 0.9%.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia's population in 2022 was 26 million, and it is projected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071. The population density, however, remains low. As of June 2022, it was reported as 3.4/km2, making Australia the third least densely populated country globally, after Namibia and Mongolia. This is mainly because most of the country's interior is desert or semi-arid, making it uninhabitable.
The majority of Australia's population is concentrated in urban areas, particularly on the eastern, southeastern, and southern seaboards. Melbourne and Sydney, Australia's largest cities by geographical area, are among the least densely populated cities in the world. Sydney, Australia's most populous city, has a population density of 1,900 people per square kilometer, while Melbourne has a density of 1,500 people per square kilometer.
The low population density in Australia has implications for urban sustainability and the environment. As more people move into cities, green spaces are replaced by apartment buildings, impacting natural landscapes. Creating sustainable and self-sufficient cities is, therefore, a major consideration for the Australian government.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with 3.3 people per square kilometre as of June 2020. In comparison, the United States has 36 people per square kilometre, and India has 464.
Australian cities are among the least densely populated urban areas in the world. Melbourne, Australia's largest urban area, has a population density of 1,500 people per square kilometre, ranking 955th out of 1,040 cities surveyed by Demographia. Sydney, Australia's most populous city, has a density of 1,900 people per square kilometre and ranks 936th.
Australia's population density is low because most of the country's interior is desert, making it uninhabitable. Additionally, 75% of Australia's population resides on just 2.6% of the land mass, with most people living along the coast in the biggest cities.
Australia's low population density has implications for urban sustainability, as it affects the balance between green spaces and dwellings. It also impacts housing trends, with higher population densities generally associated with stronger rental appreciation for units and weaker growth for houses.
