Damon Mcknight
Queensland, often abbreviated as QLD and affectionately referred to as the 'Sunshine State', is the second-largest state in Australia in terms of area. It is the third most populous state in the country, with an estimated population of 5.01 million as of 2025. The population is dispersed over a large area, with a larger percentage of its population living outside the greater capital city area than most other Australian states and territories.
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What You'll Learn
Queensland's population in 2021 was 5,156,138
As of 2021, Queensland, the second-largest and third-most-populous state in Australia, is home to 5,156,138 people. This number represents a significant increase from the previous year's population of 5,076,855, reflecting the state's consistent growth over time. With a vast land area of 1,852,642 square kilometers, Queensland's population density works out to approximately 2.8 people per square kilometer, making it one of the least densely populated states in the country.
The population of Queensland accounts for around 20% of Australia's total population, which stands at approximately 25,735,900 as of 2021. This proportion has remained relatively stable over the years, with Queensland consistently contributing a significant but not dominant share to the country's overall population. When compared to other states and territories, Queensland's population falls between that of New South Wales (8,172,205) and Victoria (6,704,199), the two most populous states.
Breaking down Queensland's population, males account for 50.2% (2,589,053) of the total, slightly outnumbering females at 49.8% (2,567,085). This slight male bias has been a consistent feature of Queensland's demographics for several years. In terms of age distribution, the largest age group is adults aged 25 to 29, who make up 8.7% of the total population. This is closely followed by the 30 to 34 and 20 to 24 age groups, making up 8.1% and 7.9% of the population, respectively.
The population is relatively evenly distributed across the state, with the majority of people living in the Greater Brisbane region, which includes the state's capital city, Brisbane. Other significant population centers include the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Townsville. Queensland is known for its diverse and multicultural society, with approximately 30.3% of its population born overseas. This diversity is reflected in the state's cultural offerings and contributes to its vibrant and dynamic character.
Looking at population growth, Queensland has consistently experienced an upward trend, with an average annual growth rate of around 1.2%. This growth is influenced by a combination of factors, including migration from other states and territories, as well as overseas immigration. The state's attractive lifestyle, warm climate, and abundant natural attractions are drawcards for people seeking a sea or tree change.
In summary, Queensland, Australia, is home to over 5 million people, contributing significantly to the country's overall population. With a slight male majority and a diverse, multicultural society, the state offers a vibrant and dynamic environment for its residents. Queensland's consistent population growth reflects its appeal as a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.
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The average household size is 2.5
Household sizes in Queensland, Australia, have been decreasing over the years. In 2021, the average number of people living in each household in Queensland was 2.5, a decrease from 3.3 people in 1971. This reduction in household size is also reflected in housing trends, with an increase in the number of people living in semi-detached housing and flats or apartments.
In 2021, there were almost 2 million dwellings in Queensland, up from 1.8 million in 2016 and 0.5 million in 1971. Despite this increase in the number of dwellings, the average household size has decreased. This trend towards smaller households is also observed in the types of families occupying these dwellings. In 2021, the most common family type in Queensland was couples with children, accounting for 41.2% of families, followed by one-parent families at 16.8%.
The decrease in household size can be attributed to various factors, including social and economic changes. For instance, the proportion of people living in semi-detached housing and flats has increased, which may indicate a preference for smaller living spaces or a reflection of urban development trends. Additionally, the increase in one-parent families and couples without children could be a result of changing family dynamics and societal norms.
It's worth noting that Queensland's population is dispersed across a large area, with a significant percentage living outside the greater capital city area. Despite this geographic dispersion, in 2021, almost three-quarters of Queensland's population resided in the southeast of the state, with over 70% living in South East Queensland. This region is expected to experience the greatest population growth in the coming decades.
While the average household size in Queensland is 2.5, it's important to consider the diversity of family structures and living arrangements across the state. Queensland's population is expected to grow and age in the coming years, which will likely influence household compositions and sizes.
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22.7% of people were born overseas in 2021
Queensland's population has been growing since the 1850s, when immigration to the state began. In 2021, the Census counted almost 2 million dwellings across Queensland, an increase from 1.8 million in 2016. The Census usual resident population of Queensland in 2021 was 5,156,138, living in 2,195,510 dwellings, with an average household size of 2.51. This was a decrease from 3.3 people per household in 1971.
In 2021, 22.7% of people in Queensland were born overseas. This is an increase from 21.6% in 2016 and 12.3% in 1971. The top five countries of birth outside Australia in 2021 were not listed, but in 2016, the next most common birthplaces after Australia were New Zealand, England, India, Mainland China, and South Africa. Brisbane has the 26th largest immigrant population among world metropolitan areas.
In 2021, 80.5% of Queensland's inhabitants spoke only English at home, a slight decrease from 81.2% in 2016. The next most common languages were Mandarin (1.6%), Vietnamese (0.6%), Punjabi (0.6%), and Spanish (0.6%). In 2016, the most common languages after English were Mandarin (1.5%), Vietnamese (0.6%), Cantonese (0.5%), Spanish (0.4%), and Italian (0.4%).
The population of Queensland is dispersed over a large area, with a larger percentage of its population living outside the greater capital city area than in most other Australian states and territories. In 2021, almost three-quarters of Queensland's population lived in the southeast of the state. Over the next two decades, the population is expected to grow to 7.3 million by 2046, an increase of 37.2%.
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80.5% of people speak only English at home
Queensland, Australia had an estimated population of 5,265,043 as of December 2021. Approximately half of the state's population lives in Brisbane, and over 70% live in South East Queensland. The average number of people living in each household in Queensland was 2.5 in 2021, a decrease from 3.3 people in 1971.
In 2021, 80.5% of Queensland's inhabitants spoke only English at home. This figure has decreased slightly from 81.2% in 2016. While English is the most commonly spoken language in Queensland, other languages are also present in the state. The next most common languages spoken in Queensland after English are Mandarin (1.6%), Vietnamese (0.6%), Punjabi (0.6%), and Spanish (0.6%). These figures highlight the linguistic diversity within the state, with a significant proportion of the population speaking languages other than English in their daily lives.
The proportion of people speaking only English at home in Queensland is influenced by various factors, including immigration patterns and demographic changes. Queensland has experienced an increase in the proportion of people born overseas, with 22.7% of residents born internationally in 2021 compared to 12.3% in 1971. This growing cultural diversity contributes to the presence of multiple languages in the state. Additionally, the increase in households with smaller family sizes, as well as the rise in the number of lone households, may also impact the language dynamics within the community.
While English is the predominant language in Queensland, it is important to recognize that language proficiency varies among individuals. Some people may have limited English proficiency, and the level of proficiency can depend on factors such as their country of birth, length of time in Australia, and cultural background. Service providers and community organizations need to be aware of these language dynamics to effectively communicate with the local population and ensure accessibility.
The linguistic landscape of Queensland is ever-evolving, shaped by historical and contemporary factors influencing migration, cultural diversity, and community interactions. The high percentage of English-only speakers at home coexists with a significant proportion of the population who speak other languages, contributing to the state's cultural and linguistic richness.
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The population is expected to grow to 7.3 million by 2046
Queensland, Australia, has a population of over 5 million people, with approximately half of its residents living in Brisbane. The population is dispersed across the state, with a larger percentage living outside the greater capital city area than in other Australian states and territories. In 2021, almost three-quarters of Queensland's population lived in the southeast of the state, with over 70% still living there in 2021. Queensland's population is expected to grow to 7.3 million by 2046, an increase of 37.2%. This growth will be unevenly distributed, with South East Queensland projected to experience the greatest increase, while more remote regions are expected to see population declines.
The population growth in Queensland is driven by a combination of natural increase (births minus deaths) and net overseas migration. The state has a high proportion of overseas-born residents, with 28.9% of its inhabitants born outside Australia in 2016, increasing to 22.7% in 2021. Brisbane, the state's capital, has the 26th largest immigrant population among world metropolitan areas. The top countries of birth for Queensland residents in 2021 included New Zealand, England, India, Mainland China, and South Africa.
In addition to international migration, Queensland has also experienced internal migration within Australia. The state's population growth has been influenced by people moving between Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSAs) and Rest of State regions. Queensland's popularity as a destination for migrants, both international and domestic, contributes to its projected population growth.
The expected population growth in Queensland will have significant implications for the state's demographics and social structure. By 2046, the population aged 65 years or more is projected to increase by 76.7%, while the population under 14 years is expected to grow by only 20.7%. This shift will result in an ageing population, similar to the trends observed across the rest of Australia and other comparable countries.
To accommodate the growing population, Queensland will need to address various challenges and considerations. These include the need for adequate health services, economic growth, patterns of work and retirement, functioning of families, and the provision of resources by governments and communities. The ageing population will particularly impact the demand for health services, requiring proactive planning and resource allocation to meet the needs of an older demographic.
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Frequently asked questions
The Census usual resident population of Queensland in 2021 was 5,156,138, living in 2,195,510 dwellings, with an average household size of 2.51. In December 2021, Queensland had an estimated population of 5,265,043.
Over the next two decades, the Queensland population is expected to grow to 7.3 million by 2046, an increase of 37.2%.
Queensland's population is dispersed over a large area, with a larger percentage of its population living outside the greater capital city area than most Australian states and territories. In 2021, almost three-quarters of Queensland's population lived in the south-east of the state.
