
Sydney is Australia's largest city, with a population of over 5 million people. The city's population has been growing steadily, with a 2% increase from 2022 to 2023, and it continues to be a popular destination for international and domestic visitors alike. As of 2024, the estimated resident population of the City of Sydney was 237,278, contributing to the overall population growth of the region. Sydney's appeal as a global city, along with its diverse economy and cultural attractions, makes it an attractive destination for people from all over the world, contributing to its ever-growing population.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population of Sydney | 5,557,233 as of 2023-2024 |
| Population of the City of Sydney | 237,278 as of 30th June 2024 |
| Population of Greater Sydney | 5,231,147 as of 2021 |
| Population of Sydney and its metro area | 5,185,000 as of 2024 |
| Sydney's ranking among Australia's cities | Most populated city in Australia |
| Number of dwellings in Greater Sydney | 2,079,287 as of 2021 |
| Average household size in Greater Sydney | 2.68 as of 2021 |
| Number of international visitors to Sydney in 2013 | 2.8 million |
| Number of domestic overnight visitors to Sydney in 2013 | 8.3 million |
| Number of workers in the City of Sydney directly employed by tourism in 2011 | 26,700 |
| Number of visitors to Sydney per day in 2012 | 480,000 |
| Number of people staying overnight in Sydney per day in 2012 | 27,500 |
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What You'll Learn

Sydney is Australia's most populated city
Sydney is the capital city of the state of New South Wales and is the most populous city in Australia. The metropolis, which surrounds Sydney Harbour, extends about 80 km and is located on Australia's east coast. The population of Sydney, Australia, as of June 2024, was estimated to be 5,557,233, which is about 66% of the state's population. Sydney is divided into 31 local government areas, each with its own council that is responsible for functions delegated by the state government.
Sydney was founded as a British penal colony in 1788 and was the first European settlement in Australia. The city experienced significant growth and development in the 20th century, with the population reaching one million in 1926, and it has continued to be the country's most populous city since then. After World War II, Sydney witnessed a wave of mass migration, and by 2021, over 40% of its population was born overseas. The most common countries of birth for these overseas-born residents include mainland China, India, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Sydney is characterised by a mix of high-rise developments and expanding suburbs. The city's population growth has led to community protests against certain development projects, particularly those that encroach on the "green belt" areas envisioned by planners in the 1950s. Despite being one of the most expensive cities in the world, Sydney is frequently ranked as one of the top ten most liveable cities globally.
The population of Sydney is diverse, with a majority of residents (57.2%) reporting secular beliefs, other spiritual beliefs, or no religious affiliation in the 2021 Census. The city's nicknames, the Emerald City and the Harbour City, reflect its vibrant culture and geographical setting. Sydney's population continues to grow, and its economic and cultural attractions draw people from across the world, contributing to its status as Australia's most populous city.
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Sydney's population has grown by 3 million since 1950
Sydney, Australia, is a bustling metropolis with a significant population. As of 2024, the estimated resident population of the City of Sydney was 237,278. However, this figure represents only the official count for the city centre. When considering the broader metropolitan area, Sydney's population soars. In 2024, the metro population was estimated to be 5,185,000, showcasing the city's vast expanse.
Sydney's population growth over the decades has been remarkable. Since 1950, the city's population has surged by approximately 3 million people. This increase is even more impressive considering the population estimates for Sydney in the 1950s, which were significantly lower. While exact figures for 1950 are not readily available, we can observe the growth trends in the following decades.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Sydney continued to grow and establish itself as a thriving metropolis. The population growth rate varied over the years, with some years experiencing more significant increases than others. Factors such as economic conditions, migration patterns, and urban development projects likely influenced the city's population dynamics.
The 1980s and 1990s saw Sydney continue its upward trajectory in population growth. The city became a hub for cultural diversity, economic opportunities, and urban expansion. Suburban neighbourhoods expanded outwards from the city centre, and the demand for housing and infrastructure development increased.
By the early 2000s, Sydney had solidified its position as one of Australia's most populous cities. The metropolitan area population continued to climb, surpassing 4 million and reaching 5,057,000 by 2022. The growth rate during this period remained steady, with a 1.3% increase from 2021 to 2022.
In conclusion, Sydney's population growth since 1950 has been substantial, with an increase of approximately 3 million people. This growth has transformed the city, shaping its demographics, economy, and cultural landscape. As Sydney continues to evolve, its population growth remains a key indicator of its vitality and appeal as one of Australia's most prominent urban centres.
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Sydney's population growth rate is 2%
Sydney, the largest city in Australia, has experienced a steady population growth rate of 2% annually, which has had a significant impact on the city's development and transformation. With a current population of approximately 5.3 million people, Sydney's growth rate translates to an increase of roughly 106,000 new residents each year. This rate of growth is considered high by global standards and has led to Sydney becoming one of the most populous cities in the world. The growth can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong economy, high quality of life, and attractive migration opportunities. Sydney has long been a popular destination for migrants from both interstate and overseas, offering a diverse range of employment opportunities, a vibrant cultural scene, and a desirable coastal lifestyle. The high growth rate has had wide-ranging effects on the city's infrastructure and services.
Housing development has expanded to accommodate the growing population, with new suburbs emerging in previously rural areas, and high-rise apartment buildings becoming a common feature of the city skyline. The demand for housing has led to a booming construction industry and significant urban expansion. Additionally, the growth has placed pressure on existing transport networks, with congestion becoming an increasingly prominent issue. In response, the government has invested significantly in transport infrastructure, including new light rail and metro systems, to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the city's transport network. The population increase has also driven the development of new schools, hospitals, and other essential services to meet the needs of Sydney's expanding communities.
The growth rate has had economic implications, with Sydney's position as a financial and commercial hub strengthened by its increasing population. A larger population has contributed to a larger workforce, driving economic growth and innovation. This has, in turn, attracted further investment and business opportunities to the city. However, managing this growth sustainably is a key challenge for city planners and policymakers. Ensuring sufficient resources, infrastructure, and services to support the expanding population requires careful planning and coordination across various sectors. This includes considerations for environmental sustainability, social equity, and the preservation of Sydney's unique character and livability.
Maintaining Sydney's natural appeal and beauty is another important aspect of managing its growth. The city is renowned for its stunning harbor, beaches, and natural landscapes, which are integral to the quality of life and tourist appeal. Balancing the need for development with the preservation of these natural assets is crucial. Sydney's population growth rate of 2% has had a profound impact on the city's development and presents both opportunities and challenges for its future. Effective planning and management are essential to ensure the city's continued prosperity and livability as it expands, and to maintain the high quality of life that draws people to Sydney.
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Sydney's population in 2024
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, with about 66% of the state's population. It is widely recognized as one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in the world, with almost 45% of its residents born outside of Australia. The population of Sydney has been growing quickly, with a 1.3% increase from 2021 to 2022, when the metro area population was 5,057,000. The 2021 census recorded the population of Greater Sydney as 5,231,150, including people counted by where they usually live (usual residence) and those counted where they were on the night of the census (enumerated population).
The Australian Treasury expects Sydney's population to grow to 6.5 million in 2033–34. Sydney's population in 2025 is estimated to be 5,248,790, and by 2060, it could have as many as 7 million residents.
As of June 30, 2024, the Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of the City of Sydney was 237,278. The ERP is the official population of the area and is updated annually by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It is usually higher than either of the census counts and provides preliminary estimates for up to 5 years. The estimated population of Sydney in June 2024 was 5,557,233.
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Sydney's population in 2022
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and Oceania. As of the 2021 census, Sydney's population was 5,231,147, about one-fifth (20.58%) of Australia's total population. The population density is 2037 people per square kilometre, five times that of the greater region. Sydney's population is projected to remain the highest in Australia until between 2032 and 2046.
Sydney's population has grown significantly since European settlement in 1788, when the city had around 3,000 non-indigenous inhabitants. The opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932 helped pave the way for further urban development, and by 1962, the population had reached 2 million.
In 2021, 43.2% of Sydney's population was born overseas, with the most common countries of birth being Mainland China, India, England, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Sydney has the eighth-largest immigrant population among world metropolitan areas. 42% of people in Sydney speak a language other than English at home, with Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Hindi being the most widely spoken.
The median age of Sydney residents in 2021 was 37 years, and households comprised an average of 2.7 members. The most common religious responses in the 2021 Census were Christian (45.8%), Islam (6.3%), Hinduism (4.8%), and Buddhism (3.8%). The proportion of people with secular beliefs was 30.5%, up from 24.9% five years prior.
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Frequently asked questions
The population of Sydney, Australia, was estimated to be 5,557,233 as of June 2024. This number represents about 66% of the state's population.
The Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of the City of Sydney was 237,278 as of 30 June 2024. The ERP is the official population of the area and is updated annually.
Sydney's population in 2025 is estimated to be 5,248,790. This represents a 1.23% annual change from the previous year.















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