Lexi Webster
Australia is a large country with a relatively small population. As of 2025, Australia's population is estimated to be 26,974,026, with a population density of 4 per Km² (9 per sq mi). This makes Australia the third least densely populated country in the world, after Namibia and Mongolia. Australia's population has grown significantly since the end of World War I, largely due to immigration. In recent years, Asia has been the largest source of immigrants to Australia. Despite its low population density, Australia is home to five cities with over one million people each, and most Australians live near coastlines. The Outback, a sparsely populated region beyond the Great Dividing Range of mountains, is a symbol of Australia's strength and independence.
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What You'll Learn
Population growth rate
Australia's population growth rate has been influenced by various factors, including immigration, fertility rates, and life expectancy. As of 2025, Australia's population is estimated to be around 27 million people, with a median age of 38.3 years and a population density of 4 people per square kilometre.
Historically, Australia's population growth rate has fluctuated. At the time of Australian Federation in 1901, the rate of natural increase was 14.9 persons per 1,000 population, peaking at 17.4 in 1912-1914. During the Great Depression, the rate declined to 7.1 in 1934-1935. After World War II, the rate increased sharply due to the baby boom and immigration, with a plateau of over 13.0 persons per 1,000 population from 1946 to 1962. Since 1962, the rate of natural increase has been falling due to decreasing fertility rates.
In recent years, net overseas migration has been the primary driver of population growth in Australia. In 2022-23, net overseas migration reached a record level of 536,000 people, with Asia being the largest source of immigrants in the 21st century. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted migration patterns, with Australia experiencing its first net outflow of migrants (-85,000 people) since World War II in 2020-21. Despite this, Australia's population growth rate has been similar to that of New Zealand and Canada, and the country has the eighth-largest immigrant population globally.
Looking ahead, Australia's population growth rate is projected to decline. The current ten-year average annual growth rate of 1.4% is expected to decrease to between 0.2% and 0.9%. By 2071, Australia's population is estimated to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million people, with a median age ranging from 43.8 to 47.6 years.
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Population density
Australia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. As of June 2022, the population density was 3.4 people per square kilometre (8.8 per square mile). This figure has been calculated using the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship. Another source gives the population density as 3.6 people per square kilometre.
The population density varies across the country, with most Australians living close to coastlines. Australia contains five cities (including their suburbs) that consist of over one million people. The country's population is expected to increase from 27,980,100 as of 13 August 2025 to over 30 million by 2029. This growth is largely due to immigration, with immigrants accounting for 30% of the population in 2019. Australia has the world's eighth-largest immigrant population.
The population density in Australia is unevenly distributed, with a higher concentration of people in urban areas. As of 2025, 86.51% of the population, or 23,335,357 people, live in urban areas. The median age in Australia is 38.3 years, and the population is expected to age further, with a projected median age of between 43.8 and 47.6 years by 2071.
The population density in Australia has been increasing over time. For example, the population density in 2021 was 3.34, a 0.14% increase from 2020. The population density in 2020 was 3.33, a 1.24% increase from 2019. Australia's population has quadrupled since the end of World War I, and it is projected to continue growing.
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Immigration
Australia's population in 2022 was 26 million, with projections of between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071. The population density is low, at 3.4 to 4 people per square km, making Australia the third least densely populated country worldwide. Most Australians live near coastlines, and the median age is 38.3 to 38.5 years, with a slight majority of females. The population is projected to age, with the median age predicted to increase to between 43.8 and 47.6 years by 2071.
European Colonisation and the White Australia Policy
European colonisation began in 1788 with the establishment of a British penal colony in New South Wales. By the end of penal transportation in 1868, approximately 165,000 convicts had entered Australia. During this period, various schemes promoted migration, such as the Bounty Immigration Scheme (1835-1841), which boosted emigration from the United Kingdom to New South Wales.
Starting in 1901, Australia implemented the White Australia policy, which aimed to restrict non-White settlement. This policy was gradually relaxed after World War II and officially abolished in 1973. During the 19th century, significant immigration also occurred from China and Germany, though various restrictions and discrimination made it difficult for many to remain in the country.
Post-World War II Immigration
Following World War II, Australia experienced a large wave of immigration from across Europe, particularly Southern and Eastern Europe. This period also saw the start of the post-World War II baby boom, contributing to population growth.
Recent Immigration Trends
Since the end of the White Australia policy in 1973, Australia has pursued an official policy of multiculturalism. In recent years, Asia has been the largest source of immigrants, contributing to a diverse and multicultural society. In 2019, 30% of the Australian resident population, or 7,529,570 people, were born overseas. Net overseas migration has increased significantly, reaching a record level of 536,000 in 2022-23. The largest components of immigration are skilled migration and family reunion programs.
Australia's immigration policies and diverse immigrant population have made it one of the most receptive countries to immigration among Western nations. The country's population continues to grow and change, shaped by immigration and the contributions of people from diverse backgrounds.
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Language
Australia's population in 2022 was 26 million, with projections of reaching between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071. The population density is low, at 3.4/km2 (8.8/sq mi), making Australia the third least densely populated country globally. The median age of Australians is 38.5 years, with a slight majority of females (50.7%) over males (49.3%).
Indigenous languages have a strong presence in Australia, with over 250 Aboriginal languages believed to have existed before European contact. Today, around 120-170 Indigenous languages and dialects are spoken, with 70-110 endangered. The National Indigenous Languages Survey (NILS) for 2018-2019 found that 120 Indigenous language varieties were in use or being revived. The 2021 census recorded 76,978 Indigenous Australians speaking 167 Indigenous languages at home. Creole languages, such as Kriol and Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole), are the most widely spoken Indigenous languages, with an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 speakers of Indigenous creole languages.
Australia's immigrant population has significantly influenced the country's linguistic landscape. Major immigration waves after World War II and in the 21st century increased the number of community languages spoken. In 2021, 5.8 million people used a language other than English at home. Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Punjabi, Greek, Italian, and Hindi are among the most common languages spoken by first- and second-generation immigrants, many of whom are bilingual.
Sign languages also form an essential part of Australia's linguistic landscape. Australian sign language, Auslan, was used by 16,242 people at home in 2021. Additionally, over 2,000 people used other sign languages, including Australian Irish Sign Language and Norf'k-Pitcairn, a creole of 18th-century English and Tahitian spoken on Norfolk Island.
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Religion
Australia's population is around 26 million as of 2022, with a projected increase to between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071. The country has the world's eighth-largest immigrant population, with immigrants making up 30% of the population in 2019. This diverse population has a variety of religious beliefs, which have changed over time and continue to do so.
Christianity is the most common religion in Australia, with 43.9% identifying as Christian in the 2021 Census. This is a decrease from 52.1% in 2016 and 61.1% in 2011. The largest Christian denominations are Catholicism (20%) and Anglicanism (9.8%). While the number of people identifying as Christian has decreased, the number of people reporting 'no religion' has increased. In the 2021 Census, 38.9% of Australians reported having no religion, up from 30.1% in 2016 and 22.3% in 2011. This makes those with no religion the second-largest 'religious' group in Australia.
The increase in the 'no religion' group has had a profound effect on Australian laws and social attitudes. For example, abortion has been decriminalised in all states, and there has been an ongoing debate about freedom of religion, particularly in relation to discrimination by religious schools. However, it is important to note that Australia's religious diversity is increasing, with a rise in affiliations to other religions such as Hinduism and Islam, reflecting the country's multicultural migrant population.
While the level of active participation in religious services is lower than the proportion of the population identifying with a religion, religion still plays a significant role in Australian society. Christian charitable organisations, hospitals, and schools are prominent in welfare and education services. The Catholic education system is the second-biggest sector after government schools, with around 20% of all secondary school enrolments.
Despite the decline in religious affiliation, many Australians still hold spiritual beliefs. Research suggests that choosing 'no religion' on the Census may not reflect whether Australians are spiritual or believe in God. The 2021 Australian Community Survey (ACS) found that more than half of Australians (55%) believe in God, and six in ten pray or meditate. Therefore, while Australia is often described as a secular country, its religious landscape is diverse and evolving.
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Frequently asked questions
The population of Australia as of June 2022 is 26 million.
The population of Australia is projected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million people by 2071.
The population density of Australia as of June 2022 is 3.4/km2 (8.8/sq mi), making it the third least densely populated country in the world.
