Leslie Massey
Australia's population is unevenly distributed, with most people living in urban areas and along the coastlines. The country has a low population density, ranking as the third least densely populated country globally. As of 2024, Australia's population was around 27 million, with a significant proportion of the population born overseas. The median age is around 38 years, and the country has a relatively high life expectancy, contributing to an ageing population trend. The population is projected to continue growing, with estimates ranging from 34 to 46 million by 2071.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 27.2 million as of 30 June 2024 |
| Population growth | 1.4% annually over the past 3 decades |
| Population density | 4 per Km² (9 people per mi²) |
| Urban population | 86.51% |
| Population in capital cities | 68% in 2023-24 |
| Population in regional areas | 25% |
| Population in remote areas | 1.9% |
| Indigenous population | 61,115 in the Northern Territory, 208,476 in New South Wales, and 188,954 in Queensland |
| Median age | 38.3 years |
| Life expectancy | 83.2 years in 2015-2017 |
| Fertility rate | 1.49 babies per woman in 2023-24 |
| Net overseas migration | 435,000 people in 2023-24 |
| Percentage of population born overseas | 31.5% |
| Percentage of population with a parent born overseas | 48% |
Explore related products
$39.61 $54.99
Population density
Australia's population density is 3.14 people per square kilometre, or 4 people per Km² (9 people per square mile). This makes it the third least densely populated country in the world, after Namibia and Mongolia. China's population density is almost five times that of Australia.
The population of Australia is concentrated in major cities, with close to three-quarters (73%) of the population living in urban areas. This makes Australia one of the world's most urbanised countries. The share of the population living in the eight capital cities has increased by 3% over the past 30 years to 68% in 2023-24. This is due to overseas migrants settling in cities and the younger age structure of cities, which results in a greater natural increase.
The median age in Australia is between 37 and 39 years, and the country has a more balanced sex ratio: for every 100 females, there are 99 males. In 2023, 31% of people in Australia were born overseas, an increase of 8% over the past 30 years.
Most of Australia's Indigenous population live on the east coast, with almost 60% living in New South Wales and Queensland. The Northern Territory has an Indigenous population of 61,115, which represents 26.3% of the territory's total population.
Finding a Publisher in Australia: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Urbanisation
Australia's population is heavily urbanised, with over 85% of its population living in urban areas, and nearly 70% in capital cities. This makes Australia one of the world's most urbanised countries. The country's population is around 26 million, ranking 52nd in the world, with a density of 3.14 people per square kilometre. However, as the sixth largest country in the world in terms of area, Australia is the third least densely populated country in the world.
The population is concentrated in major cities, with close to three-quarters (73%) of the total population living in these areas. A quarter (25%) live in inner or outer regional Australia, with the remaining 1.9% in remote or very remote areas. The capital cities have been growing faster than regional areas, with the share of the population living in the eight capital cities increasing by 3% over the past 30 years to 68% in 2023-24. This is due to overseas migrants settling in cities and the younger age structure of cities resulting in a greater natural increase.
The population of Australia is projected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071, with the current ten-year average annual growth rate of 1.4% projected to decline to between 0.2% and 0.9%. The population growth rate has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the introduction of international border restrictions lowering net overseas migration to -85,000 people in 2020-21. However, net overseas migration is still the main driver of population growth, increasing from a net inflow of 47,000 people in 1993-94 to 435,000 people in 2023-24.
The Indigenous population of Australia is concentrated on the east coast, with almost 60% living in New South Wales and Queensland, representing 2-5% of those states' populations. The Northern Territory has an Indigenous population of 61,115, which represents 26.3% of the territory's total population.
GST in Australia: When Does It Apply?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Indigenous population
Australia's Indigenous population, comprising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, numbers around 984,000 individuals, representing 3.8% of the country's total population as of 2021. This marks a notable increase from the 2016 estimate of 798,400, and the Indigenous population continues to grow at a faster rate than the non-Indigenous population. The Indigenous population has a younger age structure, with a median age of 24 years, and higher birth rates.
Historically, the Indigenous population of Australia was distributed across the continent, with estimates of their numbers before European settlement ranging from 300,000 to over one million. They were organised into numerous distinct groups, each with their own language and culture. The distribution of the Indigenous population was likely influenced by the geography of the land, with many inhabiting coastal areas and the majority living in the southeast, along the Murray River.
Today, the Indigenous population is still predominantly found in coastal regions, particularly along the east coast of Australia. New South Wales and Queensland are home to the largest number of Indigenous people, with these two states combined accounting for three-quarters of the Indigenous population. The Northern Territory also has a significant Indigenous population, comprising 26.3% of its total population.
While a significant portion of Indigenous Australians have moved to urban areas, with over a third residing in major cities, they still maintain strong connections to their traditional lands and cultures. The distribution of the Indigenous population in contemporary Australia reflects a combination of historical factors, cultural ties, and the ongoing process of urbanisation and migration within the country.
The Indigenous population of Australia has a unique cultural heritage, with language playing a vital role in preserving traditions and knowledge. Despite the loss of many Indigenous languages, efforts are being made to revitalise and protect them, with almost 10% of Indigenous Australians speaking an Indigenous language at home, according to the 2021 Census. The preservation of Indigenous languages and cultural practices is integral to the ongoing survival and flourishing of Australia's First Nations communities.
Growing Roses in Containers: An Australian Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Life expectancy
The Australian Capital Territory boasts the highest life expectancy for males, at 81.7 years, while the Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia are tied for the highest life expectancy for females, at 85.7 years. Conversely, the Northern Territory has the lowest life expectancy for both males and females, at 76.4 years and 80.4 years, respectively.
Despite these fluctuations, life expectancy in Australia has generally increased over time, with a projected life expectancy of 84.06 years for 2024, representing a 1.22% increase from 2023.
Gold Standard: Australia's Top Ranking
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fertility rates
Australia's fertility rate is currently at a record low of 1.5 babies per woman, according to 2023 data. This is below the replacement rate of 2.1 births per woman, which is the level at which a population is replaced from one generation to the next without immigration. The fertility rate has been below this replacement level since 1976, and it has continued to decline over the last decade. This decline is not unique to Australia, as fertility rates are decreasing globally.
The fertility rate is not uniform across Australia, with rural areas generally having higher rates than urban areas. The Northern Territory has the highest fertility rate, influenced by a high Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, whose fertility rate was 2.35 in 2022. The lowest fertility rates are in major cities, with Adelaide, SA, recording the lowest at 0.60. The age-specific fertility rate was highest for women aged 30–34 in 2023, followed by those aged 25–29.
The declining fertility rate has economic implications, as it can result in a shrinking local population and a shift in the age structure, with fewer young people relative to older individuals. This can be addressed through immigration, but it requires a shift in public and political attitudes towards immigration and incentives for people to migrate to Australia. Additionally, the economic challenges may be due to the underlying issues of resource distribution and inequality.
To curb the fertility rate decline, pro-natal policies and addressing issues like the housing problem are suggested. However, it is acknowledged that these measures may not be sufficient to increase fertility rates significantly. Instead, a discussion about the right mix of immigrants is necessary to address the population decline.
Australia's Land Mass: A Giant Down Under
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Australia's population was around 27.2 million as of June 30, 2024. It is projected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071.
Australia is the 6th largest country in the world but has a low population density of 3.14 people per square kilometre or 4 people per Km².
Australia is one of the world's most urbanised countries, with 85-89% of its population living in urban areas. The capital cities are home to close to three-quarters (68-73%) of the total population. Most Australians live close to coastlines.
The median age in Australia is 37-39 years, and the population is evenly distributed between males and females. In 2023, 31% of people in Australia were born overseas, and English is the official language spoken by the majority of the population.
