Leslie Massey
Australia has a population of around 27.9 million as of 2025, making it the 54th most populous country in the world. The country's population growth has been rapid by developed country standards, with a 3.5x increase since 1945. This growth has been driven by immigration, without which Australia's population would be below 10 million. While Australia has the second-highest amount of wealth per adult, there are concerns about the country's ongoing population growth, with polls showing that more than two-thirds of Australians do not want further growth and advocate for reduced immigration. This raises questions about the potential impact of a larger population on Australia's society, environment, and economy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current population | 27,923,100 as of 11 July 2025 |
| Population rank | 54th most populous country in the world |
| Population density | 3.6 persons per square kilometre |
| Population concentration | Urban areas, particularly on the Eastern, South Eastern and Southern seaboards |
| Population growth | 3.5 times since 1945 |
| Immigration | Highest rate of immigration among developed countries |
| Fertility rate | Below 2.1 (the "replacement rate") since 1975 |
| Life expectancy | N/A |
| Median weekly income | $789 as of 2021 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% as of June 2022 |
| Poverty rate | 13.6% |
| Percentage of population born overseas | 29.8% as of 2020 |
| Languages spoken | English (72%), Mandarin Chinese (2.7%), Arabic (1.4%), Vietnamese (1.3%), Cantonese (1.2%) |
| Religious participation | 7.5% weekly attendance at Christian church services |
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What You'll Learn
Would this be due to immigration or an increased birth rate?
Australia's population growth has been driven by immigration and an increased birth rate. Since 1945, Australia's population has grown by 3.5 times, from 7.4 million to 25.7 million. This is a faster rate of growth than any Western European country and is due to Australia having the highest rate of immigration among developed countries. Without immigration since World War II, Australia's population would be below 10 million.
The popularisation of the contraceptive pill in the 1960s caused Australia's total fertility rate (TFR) to fall below 2.1 in 1975. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the 'replacement rate' where children are numerous enough to replace the parents' generation. Despite the decline in fertility rates, natural population increase continues for decades after achieving below-replacement fertility due to a phenomenon known as 'demographic momentum'.
Immigration has played a significant role in shaping Australia's population growth. Since European settlement, Australia's population has grown rapidly through waves of immigration. In recent decades, Australia has received a large wave of immigration from across Europe, with a notable increase in the number of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe. As of 2020, 29.8% of Australia's population was born overseas, contributing to the country's multicultural and multiracial society.
While Australia's population growth has been influenced by both immigration and birth rates, the impact of immigration has been more significant. The country's high immigration rate has contributed to its population growth, making it one of the fastest-growing developed countries in terms of population. However, it is important to note that Australia's population growth has also been influenced by other factors, such as government policies, economic factors, and social trends, which can impact both immigration and birth rates.
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What would be the economic impact?
Australia's population growth has been rapid by developed country standards, growing 3.5 times since 1945. This growth has been driven by immigration, without which Australia's population would be below 10 million. However, many Australians are concerned about this population growth, with polls showing that more than two-thirds want a lower rate of immigration. There are also environmental concerns, as population growth can lead to the destruction of arable land, collapsing fish stocks, and the degradation of natural assets like the Great Barrier Reef.
From an economic perspective, a larger population can have both positive and negative impacts. On the one hand, a larger population can contribute to economic growth by increasing the size of the labour force and creating more consumers for goods and services. This can lead to increased production, innovation, and entrepreneurship, potentially boosting Australia's economic output and global competitiveness.
However, a larger population can also strain resources and infrastructure, leading to increased costs and decreased living standards. This is particularly true if the population growth is rapid and unplanned, as it can outpace the development of necessary infrastructure such as housing, transportation, and utilities. This could lead to increased congestion, pollution, and pressure on public services such as education, healthcare, and welfare.
Additionally, a larger population may not necessarily translate to a larger labour force if the new members of the population are dependent (e.g., children or elderly) or if the unemployment rate increases due to a lack of job creation to keep up with population growth. In fact, Australia is already experiencing a demographic shift towards an older population, with more retirees and fewer people of working age. As of 2021, Australia's average age was 39 years, and the country had one of the highest per capita incomes globally, with a labour force of about 13.5 million and an unemployment rate of 3.5% as of June 2022. A larger population could exacerbate the strain on social security and healthcare systems, as well as increase income inequality if the economic pie is not expanded proportionately.
To mitigate these potential negative impacts, Australia could focus on sustainable population growth, including reducing immigration and promoting smaller families, as suggested by Sustainable Population Australia. This would allow for better resource management and infrastructure development to keep pace with population growth, potentially leading to a higher quality of life for Australians. Additionally, policies that encourage higher fertility rates to support an ageing population, as some neoliberal thinkers advocate, could leave no room for immigrants and undermine Australia's multicultural and multiracial society.
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How would this affect the environment?
Australia's population growth has been rapid by developed country standards, growing 3.5 times since 1945. This growth has been driven by immigration, and without it, Australia's population would be below 10 million. Australia's population is projected to exceed 30 million by 2029 and could exceed 100 million before 2100 if current rates of growth continue.
This population growth has significant implications for the environment. Firstly, it contributes to the degradation and destruction of natural habitats. As the population expands, more land is needed for housing, infrastructure, and agriculture, leading to deforestation, habitat loss, and fragmentation. This has already been observed with the decline of natural assets such as the Great Barrier Reef and the koala population.
Secondly, a larger population increases pressure on finite resources, particularly water. Australia is the world's driest inhabited continent, and water scarcity is already an issue in many regions. With a growing population, water resources will become even more stretched, potentially leading to conflicts over water usage and increased risk of droughts and water shortages.
Thirdly, population growth contributes to climate change. As the population increases, so does the demand for energy, transportation, and consumer goods, resulting in higher greenhouse gas emissions and a faster rate of climate change. Australia's high per-capita emissions further compound this issue.
Additionally, a larger population can lead to increased pollution and waste. With more people, there is a greater volume of waste generated, and improper disposal can contaminate soil, water bodies, and the air. This waste can include plastic pollution, which has already been shown to negatively impact marine life, including the iconic Australian sea turtles and dugongs.
Lastly, population growth can disrupt ecosystems and biodiversity. As human populations expand, they often come into conflict with native wildlife, particularly in a country like Australia, which has a high proportion of unique and endemic species. This can lead to habitat loss for native species, increased wildlife-human interactions, and a higher risk of species extinction. Major extinctions of Australia's megafauna have already occurred, and this trend may continue with population growth.
In conclusion, a larger population in Australia would have significant impacts on the environment. It is crucial to consider the ecological consequences of population growth and to strive for sustainable practices and policies that balance human needs with the preservation of Australia's unique and fragile natural environment.
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Would this lead to a more multicultural society?
Australia's population growth has been rapid by developed country standards, with a 3.5 times increase since 1945. This growth has been driven by immigration, and without it, Australia's population would be below 10 million. The population is projected to exceed 30 million by 2029 and could surpass 100 million before 2100 if current rates of growth continue.
The country's population growth has sparked concerns among Australians, with polls showing that over two-thirds oppose further growth and want lower immigration. Despite this, Australia's low birth rate means that immigration is necessary to "top up" each generation and maintain a stable population. A lower fertility rate would allow for a higher proportion of immigrants, which could lead to a more multicultural society.
Australia has a history of immigration, with waves of immigrants arriving from Europe, China, and Germany since the 19th century. The White Australia policy, which restricted immigration from non-European countries, was abolished in the 1960s and 1970s, leading to a decline in the percentage of Europeans in the population. As of 2020, 29.8% of Australia's population was born overseas, and the country has one of the highest proportions of people born abroad in the world.
The ethnic composition of Australia is diverse, with a European population of around 72-76% as of 2021, a non-European population of 21-23%, and an Aboriginal Australian population of 3%. English is the most commonly spoken language, with 72% of the population speaking it at home, followed by Mandarin Chinese (2.7%), Arabic (1.4%), Vietnamese (1.3%), and Cantonese (1.2%).
In conclusion, Australia's low birth rate and high immigration rate suggest that the country could accommodate a larger population while maintaining a stable population size. This would likely result in a more multicultural society, given the already high proportion of immigrants in the country and the potential for higher immigration rates in the future. However, it is important to note that there are concerns about the environmental impact of population growth and the ability of natural systems to cope with a larger population.
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What would be the impact on infrastructure?
Australia's population growth has been rapid by developed country standards, growing 3.5 times since 1945, from 7.4 million to 25.7 million. This growth has been driven by immigration, without which Australia's population would be below 10 million.
If Australia's population were to continue growing at this rate, the impact on infrastructure would be significant. The country's infrastructure would need to accommodate not only a larger population but also the demographic shifts associated with an ageing population and changing fertility rates.
Firstly, a larger population would require more housing, particularly in urban areas where the majority of Australians already live. This would likely result in the expansion of existing cities and the development of new urban centres, with associated costs and impacts on the environment.
Secondly, an increased population would place greater demands on transportation networks, including roads, railways, and airports. This would require expansion and improvement of existing infrastructure, as well as the development of new transport links to connect growing urban centres.
Thirdly, a larger population would increase demand for essential services such as education, healthcare, and welfare. This would require the construction of new schools, hospitals, and other facilities, as well as the recruitment and training of additional staff to meet the needs of a growing population.
Finally, Australia's water and energy infrastructure would need to be expanded and strengthened to meet the needs of a larger population. This includes the development of new sources of water and energy, as well as the expansion of existing systems to ensure reliable access for all Australians.
The impact of a larger population on Australia's infrastructure would be complex and far-reaching, requiring significant investment and planning to ensure that the country can continue to provide a high quality of life for its citizens. However, it is important to note that there are concerns about the environmental impact of population growth, and many Australians do not want to see further population growth.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 11 July 2025, Australia's population is estimated to be 27,923,100. It is the 54th most populous country in the world and the most populous country in Oceania.
Australia's population growth is driven by immigration and, to a lesser extent, a high birth rate. Since 1945, Australia's population has grown by 3.5 times, from 7.4 million to 25.7 million. The country has one of the highest proportions of people born overseas in the world, with 29.8% of its population being foreign-born as of 2020.
Australia's population growth has implications for the environment, with concerns about the impact on arable land, fish stocks, and natural assets such as the Great Barrier Reef. There are also social and economic consequences, with debates around the role of immigration in supporting an ageing population and the potential for a shrinking economic pie if natural systems are ignored. Additionally, there are concerns about the quality of life for future generations, with some arguing for stabilising the population at a lower number to maximise wellbeing and environmental integrity.
