Damon Mcknight
Australia is among the ten largest countries in the world in terms of area size, but its population is relatively low. In 1980, the population of Australia was 14.8 million people, with a very low population density of 2 people per square km. The population was 50.06% female, with 7,354,585 women and 49.94% male, with 7,337,415 men. Australia is one of the world's most urbanised countries, with 89% of its population living in a handful of urban areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1980 to 1989 |
| Population of Australia | Approximately 14.5 million by the end of the decade. |
| Population Growth | The population grew by 1.2 million during the 1980s, a 9.2% increase over the decade. |
| Birth Rate | The crude birth rate was 16.5 births per 1,000 people in 1980, declining to 14.1 in 1989. |
| Life Expectancy | In 1980, life expectancy at birth was 72.7 years for males and 78.8 years for females. |
| Immigration | Net overseas migration contributed to population growth, with a net gain of approximately 250,000 people over the decade. |
| Urbanization | The urban population continued to grow, with 84% of Australians living in urban areas by the end of the 1980s. |
| Most Populous City | Sydney was the most populous city, with a population of over 3.5 million by 1989. |
| Demographic Changes | The 1980s saw a shift towards an aging population, with an increase in the median age from 29.3 years in 1980 to 31.4 years in 1989. |
| Cultural Diversity | The decade witnessed an increase in cultural diversity, with a growing proportion of the population born overseas (16.2% in 1986) and a significant Indigenous Australian population (approximately 2% of the total population). |
| Socio-economic Status | The 1980s was a period of economic growth and rising living standards, with a shift towards a more service-based economy and an increase in household incomes. |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's population in 1980 was 14.8 million
The population of Australia has grown significantly since 1980. By 2020, the population had reached over 25 million people. Australia's population has quadrupled since the end of World War I, with much of this increase due to immigration. Australia has the world's eighth-largest immigrant population, with immigrants accounting for 30% of the population, a higher proportion than in any other nation with a population of over 10 million.
In 2019, 30% of the Australian resident population, or 7,529,570 people, were born overseas. Asia is the largest source of immigrants in the 21st century. Net overseas migration reached a record level of 536,000 in 2022–23. Overall migration was 739,000 in 2022–23, and net permanent and long-term arrivals in 2023 were 447,790, the highest on record. Most immigrants are skilled, but the immigration quota also includes categories for family members and refugees.
The population of Australia has also been influenced by historical events. For example, the aftermath of both World Wars significantly impacted the Australian population, with approximately 90,000 deaths in both wars combined and a further 15,000 deaths from the Spanish flu pandemic following World War I. However, Australia experienced a significant baby boom following World War II.
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There were 7.35 million women
Australia's population at the end of 1980 was 14,802,000 people, with a very low population density of 2 people per square kilometre. Of this total population, there were 7,354,585 women, comprising 50.06% of the total population. This was an increase of 0.12% compared to men, who made up 49.94% of the population.
The female population of Australia in the 1980s played a significant role in shaping the country's social, economic, and cultural landscape. Women in Australia had gained the right to vote in 1902, and by the 1980s, they had made significant strides in terms of education, employment, and social equality. The 1980s was a decade of continued progress for Australian women, who were increasingly pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, and advocating for gender equality.
During this time, Australia saw a growing number of women attending universities and participating in the labour force. Female students made up a significant proportion of university enrolments, particularly in fields such as education, arts, and social sciences. Additionally, more women were entering the workforce, with increasing representation in professions such as teaching, healthcare, and clerical work. The 1980s also witnessed a rise in women's participation in traditionally male-dominated industries, such as business, law, and politics.
The social landscape of Australia in the 1980s was also influenced by the presence of 7.35 million women. The decade saw a continued push for gender equality and women's rights. Women's organisations and advocacy groups played an active role in addressing issues such as gender discrimination, workplace inequality, and domestic violence. The high female population provided a strong voice and support network for these causes, contributing to social and legal reforms aimed at improving the lives of women.
The cultural landscape of the country was also impacted by the female population. Women's literature, art, and film flourished during this time, with female artists, writers, and filmmakers gaining recognition and influencing the Australian cultural scene. The high number of women in Australia in the 1980s contributed to a diverse and dynamic society, shaping the country's values, norms, and cultural expressions.
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And 7.34 million men
Australia's population at the end of 1980 stood at 14,802,000 people, with a nearly equal gender distribution. There were approximately 7.34 million men in Australia in 1980, making up 49.94% of the population. This figure represents a close division between the sexes, with women accounting for 50.06% of the total population.
The male population of Australia in the 1980s was a significant portion of the country's demographics. With almost 7.34 million men, the male population played a crucial role in shaping the social, economic, and cultural landscape of the nation. This number includes men of diverse backgrounds, ages, and occupations, all contributing to the country's growth and development.
The male population of Australia in the 1980s had a wide range of characteristics and played various roles in society. A significant portion of these men were of working age, contributing to the country's labour force and economic development. The male population included businessmen, labourers, farmers, and professionals across various industries. They were also fathers, husbands, and breadwinners, contributing to the social fabric and family structure of Australian society.
The Australian male population of the 1980s had unique experiences and challenges. They navigated societal expectations, gender roles, and economic fluctuations of the time. The country was undergoing social and cultural shifts, and men faced changing dynamics in the workplace and family life. They experienced the impact of global events, such as economic recessions or political shifts, which may have influenced their opportunities and daily lives.
The contribution of Australian men to various industries and sectors during the 1980s was significant. They dominated fields such as manufacturing, construction, and mining, which were crucial to the country's economic growth. Men also played essential roles in emerging sectors, including technology and finance, shaping the future of these industries. Their participation in the workforce helped drive innovation, expansion, and the overall prosperity of the nation.
The lives and experiences of Australian men in the 1980s were diverse and multifaceted. While general trends and societal norms provided a broad framework, individual stories varied greatly. Factors such as geographic location, cultural background, and personal circumstances influenced the day-to-day lives and long-term trajectories of these men, shaping their relationships, careers, and contributions to Australian society during this dynamic decade.
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Australia is a country with very low population density
Australia is a country with a very low population density. In 1980, the country had a population of 14,802,000 people, with a population density of 2 people per square kilometre. This put Australia in 3rd place in terms of the lowest population density rankings that year.
The population has grown significantly since 1980, with an estimated population of 27,980,100 as of August 2025. Despite this increase, Australia remains a sparsely populated country, with an average population density of 3.6 people per square kilometre of total land area as of 2025. This makes it the 3rd least densely populated country in the world, after Namibia and Mongolia.
The population is concentrated mainly in urban areas, particularly on the Eastern, South Eastern, and Southern seaboards. As of 2022, over 72% of the population spoke only English at home, with Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Cantonese being the next most common languages. The population is expected to exceed 30 million by 2029, largely due to immigration. Australia has the world's eighth-largest immigrant population, with immigrants accounting for 30% of the population as of 2019.
Australia's population has grown from an estimated 300,000 to 2,400,000 Indigenous Australians at the time of British colonisation in 1788. The Indigenous population at that time was divided into many tribes speaking many different languages. In the 2011 census, 495,757 people identified as Aboriginal, 31,407 as Torres Strait Islander, and 21,206 identified as both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Today, most of Australia's Indigenous population lives on the east coast, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland.
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Most Australians live in urban areas
Australia's population in 1980 was 14.8 million people, with a very low population density of 2 people per square km. The country's population has increased from 3.8 million in 1901 to 25.7 million in 2021, with the majority of Australians living in urban areas.
The urban population in Australia has risen from 58% of the total population in 1911 to 90% in 2021. The rate of urbanisation was three times higher in the first half of the 20th century than in the second. Since 1954, most Australians have resided in capital cities, with Sydney having the largest Greater Capital City Statistical Area population. The urban population continues to grow, driven by overseas migration, natural increase, and internal migration.
Australia has the world's eighth-largest immigrant population, with immigrants accounting for 30% of the total population in 2019, or 7,529,570 people. The country's population growth from migration has exceeded natural increase since 2006, excluding 2021. The capitals grew by 427,800 people (2.4%) in 2023-24, with overseas migration being the primary driver of this growth.
While Australia's population is predominantly urban, the country's population density remains low due to its large land area. The population is unevenly distributed, with most people living in the eastern states of New South Wales and Queensland, where almost 60% of Indigenous Australians reside. Interstate migration has also influenced the distribution of the population, with Queensland experiencing a net gain and New South Wales a net loss from internal migration.
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Frequently asked questions
14,802,000 people lived in Australia in 1980.
There were 7,354,585 women and 7,337,415 men, with women making up 50.06% of the population and men 49.94%.
Australia had a very low population density of 2 people per square km.
Australia's population has quadrupled since the end of World War I, with much of this increase attributed to immigration.
