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Canberra is Australia's capital and largest inland city, covering 814 square kilometres. As of 2021, it had 452,670 residents, amounting to 1.8% of Australia's population. The city's population has been steadily growing, with the metro area population in 2024 reaching 478,000 people. Canberra has a higher percentage of volunteers than other Australian cities, and its residents tend to be better educated, with higher incomes. The city's name derives from the language of the Ngunnawal people and means either meeting place or women's breasts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 478,000 as of 2024 |
| Population density | 495.6 people per square kilometre |
| Population growth | 1.27% increase from 2022 to 2023 |
| Area | 814 square kilometres |
| Demographics | 71.4% Australian-born, 32% born overseas, 1.6% Indigenous Australians |
| Top countries of birth for overseas-born residents | England, China, India, New Zealand, Philippines |
| Languages spoken at home | 72.7% English, 3.1% Mandarin, 1.1% Vietnamese, 1% Cantonese, 0.9% Hindi, 0.8% Spanish |
| Religion | 43.5% No religion, 19.3% Catholic, 8.2% Anglican, 5.2% Not stated, 4.5% Hinduism |
| Main occupations | 28.7% Professionals, 19.3% Clerical and administrative workers, 15.6% Managers, 10.5% Technicians and trades workers, 9.3% Community and personal service workers |
| Main industries | 32.3% Public administration and safety, 9.5% Professional, scientific and technical services, 9.1% Health care and social assistance |
| Average income | $917 per week |
| Education | 4.5% of residents have a postgraduate degree |
| Life expectancy | 81.7 years for males, 85.7 years for females |
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What You'll Learn
- Population growth: Canberra's population has grown since 1911, reaching 478,000 in 2024
- Population density: With 478,000 people across 814 sq km, the density is 587 people per sq km
- Demographics: 32% of residents were born overseas, with India, England and China being the top three countries of birth
- Employment: The main occupations are professionals (28.7%), clerical workers (19.3%), and managers (15.6%)
- Religion: The largest religious group is the non-religious (43.5%), followed by Catholics (19.3%) and Anglicans (8.2%)
Population growth: Canberra's population has grown since 1911, reaching 478,000 in 2024
Canberra, the capital city of Australia, has witnessed steady population growth since 1911, with the latest estimates placing its population at approximately 478,000 in 2024. This population increase reflects the city's evolution and transformation over the past century.
In the early years, following its establishment as the Federal capital in 1908, Canberra experienced a period of slow growth due to limited funds after World War I. In 1911, the city's population was just over 1,700, a number that gradually increased to 9,000 by 1930. The impact of the Great Depression and World War II further stalled development, and it wasn't until the 1950s and 1960s that Canberra's population began to surge.
The post-war era saw a significant shift in the city's development, with Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies taking a keen interest in accelerating its growth. The transfer of several government departments and public servants from Melbourne to Canberra contributed to a rapid increase in population. From 1955 to 1975, Canberra's population grew by more than 50% every five years. By 1971, the population surpassed 100,000, and it continued to climb, reaching 203,000 in 1976.
The expansion of office development in the 1960s, particularly in Civic, played a pivotal role in attracting people to the city. Additionally, Canberra's status as the capital and its diverse range of industries, including healthcare, professional services, education, retail, and construction, have made it a desirable place to live and work. The city's population reached a significant milestone in 2000, surpassing 300,000, and it hasn't slowed down since.
As of 2021, the most recent census data available, Canberra's population stood at 452,670, constituting 223,365 males and 229,301 females. This population accounts for 1.8% of Australia's total population. The 2021 census also revealed that 28.7% of Canberra's inhabitants were born overseas, with India, England, and China being the top three countries of birth. The median age in Canberra is 35 years, and the city boasts a highly educated population, with 49% of residents aged 15-74 holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
With its vibrant community, thriving industries, and attractive lifestyle offerings, Canberra has established itself as one of the world's best cities to live in and visit. The estimated population of 478,000 in 2024 showcases the city's enduring appeal and its continuous growth since its early days as a fledgling capital in 1911.
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Population density: With 478,000 people across 814 sq km, the density is 587 people per sq km
Canberra, the capital of Australia, covers an area of 814 square kilometres. As of 2024, the city's population was estimated to be 478,000 people, with a density of 587 people per square kilometre. This makes Canberra the country's largest inland city.
The population of Canberra has grown steadily over time. Between 1960 and 1971, the population tripled from 50,000 to 146,000, and by 1976, it had reached 203,000. In 2000, the population surpassed 300,000, and according to the 2021 census, the population was 452,670. The estimated population for 2022 was 467,000, and this number grew to 478,000 in 2024.
The population density of Canberra is significantly higher than the national average. This is partly due to the city's role as the seat of government and the high proportion of residents employed in public administration and safety (32.3%). Additionally, Canberra attracts a highly educated population, with 4.5% of residents holding postgraduate degrees, compared to the national average of 1.8%.
The city's population also stands out demographically. According to the 2016 census, 71.4% of residents were born in Australia, slightly higher than the national average of 70.3%. Additionally, 32% of inhabitants were born overseas, with the top three countries of birth being India, England, and China. The most common languages spoken at home, after English, are Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Cantonese.
In summary, Canberra, Australia's capital and largest inland city, has a population of approximately 478,000 people across 814 square kilometres, resulting in a population density of 587 people per square kilometre. This density is higher than the national average and is influenced by the city's role as the governmental hub and its attraction of a highly educated and diverse population.
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Demographics: 32% of residents were born overseas, with India, England and China being the top three countries of birth
Canberra, the capital of Australia, is home to a diverse population, with a significant proportion of its residents born outside the country. As of the 2021 census, the city had a population of 452,670 people, with approximately 32% of them born overseas. This percentage is slightly higher than the national average of Australia, which stood at around 27.7% in 2021 and increased to 31.5% in 2024.
The top three countries of birth for those born outside Australia in Canberra are India, England, and China. This trend is also reflected in Australia's overall population, where these three countries are among the top four countries of birth for overseas-born residents. The large presence of individuals born in these countries contributes to the cultural diversity of Canberra and Australia as a whole.
In Canberra, India stands out as the largest non-English speaking country of birth, with 3.8% of the population, or approximately 17,188 people, being born there. This percentage is higher than the national average for Australia, highlighting a distinctive aspect of Canberra's demographics. The presence of individuals from India contributes to a rich cultural tapestry in the city.
Besides India, England, and China, other prevalent countries of birth for overseas-born residents in Canberra include New Zealand and the Philippines. This mix of countries of birth is indicative of historical settlement patterns and the evolution of Australia's immigration program over time. The cultural diversity brought by these various communities enriches the social fabric of Canberra and Australia.
The demographics of Canberra also reveal interesting aspects beyond countries of birth. For instance, Canberra has a higher proportion of residents with postgraduate degrees (4.5%) compared to the national average (1.8%). Additionally, the city stands out for its high income levels and a significant proportion of residents identifying as non-religious. These characteristics shape the unique social and cultural dynamics of Canberra, making it a diverse and vibrant city.
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Employment: The main occupations are professionals (28.7%), clerical workers (19.3%), and managers (15.6%)
Canberra, Australia's capital and largest inland city, had a population of 452,670 as of 2021. The city's employment statistics are an important indicator of its socio-economic status, with levels of full or part-time employment, unemployment, and labour force participation reflecting the strength of the local economy and social characteristics of the population.
In 2021, the size of Canberra's labour force was 258,302, with 71,301 employed part-time and 163,473 employed full-time. Overall, 96.2% of the labour force was employed, and 3.8% unemployed, which is lower than the national unemployment rate of Australia, which was 5.1% in 2021.
The main occupations for those employed in Canberra are professionals (28.7%), clerical workers (19.3%), and managers (15.6%). These occupations reflect the city's status as the capital of Australia and the relatively high education levels of its residents. Canberra's residents are better educated than the average Australian, with 4.5% of people in Canberra holding a postgraduate degree, compared to the national average of 1.8%.
The city's employment landscape has evolved over time, with significant growth in the decades following World War II. The population tripled between 1960 and 1971, climbing from 50,000 to 146,000, and reaching 203,000 in 1976. This growth has contributed to the diversification of the local economy and the expansion of employment opportunities in the region.
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Religion: The largest religious group is the non-religious (43.5%), followed by Catholics (19.3%) and Anglicans (8.2%)
Australia is a diverse and tolerant society, with people from a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. There is no official religion in the country, and freedom of religion is enshrined in law. The Australian Constitution states:
> "The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth."
Christianity is the most common religion in Australia, with 43.9% of the population identifying as Christian in the 2021 census. However, this figure is 8.2% lower than it was five years prior. The number of Australians identifying as non-religious is also high, with 38.9% declaring "no religion" in the 2021 census.
Canberra reflects these trends. In the 2021 census, the largest religious group in the city was the non-religious, making up 43.5% of the population. This was followed by Catholics at 19.3% and Anglicans at 8.2%. Hinduism was also a notable religious group in the city, with 4.5% of the population, making it the second-most popular religious group after several Christian denominations.
Canberra is one of the least religious cities in Australia, with only 28.9% of residents identifying as religious in the 2016 census. However, for those who do adhere to a faith, it is extremely important in their lives, shaping their decisions and their spare time.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, Canberra's metro area population was 478,000.
In 2023, the metro area population of Canberra was 472,000.
In 2022, the metro area population of Canberra was 467,000.
The 2021 census recorded a population of 452,670 in Canberra.
No, Canberra's population has grown over time. In 1911, there were just over 1,700 residents, and by 1930, the population had grown to 9,000. The population first exceeded 100,000 in 1971 and reached over 300,000 in 2000.
