Leslie Massey
Australia's population is heavily concentrated in its major cities, with 73% of the population living in urban areas. The country's population was 27.2 million as of June 2024, with Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth among the most populous cities. The urban population has increased significantly over time, growing from 58% in 1911 to 90% in 2021. The growth in urban areas is driven by overseas migration, natural increase, and internal migration. Capital cities, in particular, have experienced growth, with Melbourne and Perth leading in terms of population increase and growth rate, respectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total population of Australia | 27.2 million as of 30 June 2024 |
| Percentage of population living in urban areas | 86.51% (23,335,357 people) in 2025 |
| Percentage of population living in Major cities | 73% |
| Population growth rate | 2.0% in 2023-24 |
| Population growth in capital cities | 427,800 people (2.4%) in 2023-24 |
| Population growth in regional Australia | 113,800 people (1.3%) in 2023-24 |
| Population growth in Melbourne | 142,600 people |
| Population growth in Sydney | 107,500 people |
| Population growth in Brisbane | 72,900 people |
| Population growth in Perth | 72,700 people |
| Population growth in Darwin | 420 net overseas migration gain |
| Population growth in Canberra | 7,500 people (1.6%) |
| Median age in Australia | 38.3 years |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
70% of Australians live in the eight most populous cities
Australia's population has grown from 3.8 million in 1901 to around 25.7 million in 2021, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics recording a population of 25,422,788 in 2021 (excluding overseas visitors). The population was estimated to be 27.2 million as of 30 June 2024.
The population density of Australia as of June 2024 was 3.5 people per square kilometre. The median age of the population is 38.3 years, with a median age of 37 years for males and 39 years for females.
It is estimated that 70% of Australians live in the eight most populous cities. The majority of Australians reside in major cities, with the next most populous region being Inner Regional Australia, followed by Outer Regional Australia, and then Remote and Very Remote Australia. This trend has been driven by overseas migration, as migrants tend to settle in cities. The COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of international border restrictions caused population growth to fall to a historical low of 0.1% in 2020-21. However, the easing of restrictions and the return of overseas migration in late 2021 led to a rebound in population growth, with a rise of 2.5% in 2022-23 and 2.0% in 2023-24.
The capitals grew by 427,800 people (2.4%) in 2023-24. Melbourne had the largest increase of 142,600 people, followed by Sydney (107,500), Brisbane (72,900), and Perth (72,700). Perth had the highest growth rate at 3.1%, followed by Melbourne and Brisbane at 2.7%. The top 10 growth areas were generally on the outskirts of Australia's capital cities, including suburbs such as Schofields-East in Sydney's outer northwest, and Austral-Greendale in Sydney's outer southwest.
The Dark Side of Greyhound Racing in Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Melbourne had the largest increase in population in 2023-24
Australia's population has grown significantly over the last century, increasing from 3.8 million in 1901 to 25.7 million in 2021. The country's urban population has also expanded, rising from 58% in 1911 to 86.51% in 2025. This equates to around 23,335,357 people living in urban centres.
In 2023-24, Melbourne experienced the largest jump in population growth in the whole country. The city's population grew by 142,600 people, an increase of 2.7%. This took Melbourne's total population to 5,350,705 people, while Sydney remains Australia's largest city with 5,557,233 people.
Melbourne's population growth was driven by a few key factors: natural increase, internal migration, and overseas migration. Overseas migration accounted for almost 90% of the increase, with students in particular boosting the population in suburbs close to universities. For example, the suburb of Carlton, located near the University of Melbourne, experienced a population increase.
The regions within Greater Melbourne that recorded the largest growth include Fraser Rise-Plumpton (up by 4,300 people) and Rockbank-Mount Cottrell (up by 4,100 people). Both areas are situated in Melbourne's outer west.
Melbourne's significant population increase in 2023-24 highlights the city's attractiveness as a place to live and work, contributing to its vibrant and dynamic nature.
Australia's Exchange Rate Determination Factors
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Perth had the highest growth rate in 2023-24
Australia's population has grown significantly over the last century, increasing from 3.8 million in 1901 to 25.4 million in 2021, with the urban population rising from 58% in 1911 to 90% in 2021. 70% of Australians live in the top eight most populous cities, and the capital cities saw a net loss of 11,800 people from internal migration in 2021.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that the capital cities grew by 427,800 people (2.4%) in 2023-24. This growth was driven by overseas migration (373,000), natural increase (89,500), and offset by internal migration (-34,600). Melbourne had the largest increase in population, with 142,600 new residents, while Sydney added 107,500 people. Perth and Brisbane each gained 73,000 residents, with Perth achieving the highest growth rate of 3.1%. This growth rate is predicted to continue in Perth, with SQM Research forecasting a growth rate of between 5% and 9% for the WA capital in late 2023.
Perth's property market has demonstrated remarkable resilience in recent years, with property values soaring by 25.9% from the COVID trough to the July 2022 peak. While most other markets experienced price corrections, Perth entered a new phase of extended growth, becoming the country's fastest-growing city. This growth has been attributed to solid employment growth, GST tax receipts, strong population increase, and ongoing under-building.
In 2023-24, the growth in Perth's population was driven primarily by people moving into outer-suburban areas from other parts of Australia. This trend is reflected in the growth of areas like Fraser Rise-Plumpton in Melbourne's outer west, which grew by 4,300 people, and Box Hill-Nelson in Sydney's outer northwest, which saw an increase of 4,000 people. As a result of this expansion, Perth's affordability has shifted, and the pace of growth has started to ease slightly in 2025.
Exploring Queensland's Massive Territory
You may want to see also
Explore related products
73% of Australians live in major cities
Australia's population is concentrated in major cities, with 73% of Australians living in urban areas. This equates to around 23 million people, based on an overall population of approximately 27 million in 2024. The urban population percentage has been steadily increasing, up from 58% in 1911, and is expected to continue to grow.
The country's capital cities have witnessed notable growth, particularly due to overseas migration. For instance, Melbourne experienced the largest increase in population, with Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth also showing significant growth. The Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSAs) encompass these cities and their surrounding regions.
The growth in capital cities can be attributed to several factors. Overseas migration is a key contributor, with cities attracting a substantial number of new arrivals. For example, in 2023-24, capital cities gained 373,000 people through overseas migration. Additionally, natural increase, the excess of births over deaths, plays a role in the expansion of city populations.
The median age in Australia's capital cities is 37 years, younger than the rest of the country. Darwin, with a median age of 34.6 years, is the youngest capital, while Adelaide, with a median age of 39.2 years, is the oldest. The gender distribution varies across cities, with Darwin being the only capital with more males than females.
The urban population's growth has been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic as well. Border restrictions caused population growth to dip to 0.1% in 2020-21. However, the subsequent easing of restrictions and the resumption of overseas migration led to a rebound in growth, with a 2.5% increase in 2022-23 and 2.0% in 2023-24.
Applying for a PIO Card in Australia: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
25% live in Inner and Outer regional Australia
Australia's population is concentrated in major cities, with around 70% of Australians living in urban areas. However, a significant portion, approximately 25%, reside in Inner and Outer regional Australia. This means that a quarter of the population has chosen to make their homes outside the bustling metropolitan centres, opting instead for the more subdued pace of life that these regions offer.
Inner regional Australia is the second most populous region in the country, followed by Outer regional Australia. These regions encompass areas that are not quite as densely populated as the major cities but still offer a range of amenities and opportunities. They may include smaller towns, rural communities, or even satellite urban centres that are within commuting distance of the larger cities.
The population distribution in these regions is influenced by several factors. One key factor is the availability of land and housing. As the major cities become more densely populated and housing prices increase, some people may opt to move to nearby regional areas where they can find more affordable options while still maintaining relatively easy access to city jobs and amenities. This trend is particularly evident in areas on the outskirts of capital cities, which have experienced some of the highest population growth rates in recent years.
Another factor contributing to the population in Inner and Outer regional Australia is the appeal of a different lifestyle. Some people may prefer the slower pace and sense of community that smaller regional towns offer. These areas often have a strong focus on local industries, such as agriculture or tourism, which can provide stable employment opportunities. Additionally, regional areas can offer a more affordable cost of living, attractive natural surroundings, and a sense of connection to the Australian landscape that is harder to find in the bustling cities.
The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shifting population trends. During the pandemic, international border restrictions caused population growth in major cities to slow significantly. In contrast, some regional areas experienced growth as people sought more space and a change of scenery while working remotely. This trend continued even after the easing of restrictions, with net overseas migration contributing to population increases in various regional areas.
Travel Distance: Toronto to Perth, Australia
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Australia's population was 25.4 million in 2021, with an estimated 23.3 million people in 2025.
86.51% of Australians live in urban areas, which equates to around 20 million people.
Two in three Australians live in a capital city, with 70% of the population living in the top eight most populous cities.
Sydney has the highest population, followed by Melbourne and Brisbane.
Perth has the highest growth rate, followed by Melbourne and Brisbane.
