Omari Gates
Australia's average household size has been declining since 1911, when it stood at 4.5 people per household. By 1961, the average had dropped to 3.6, and by 2001, it was around 2.6. The latest data from 2021 puts the average household size at 2.5 people, with a slight increase to 2.6 when calculated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This downward trend is influenced by various factors, including an ageing population, declining fertility and marriage rates, and cultural shifts. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role, with household sizes increasing by around 2% during lockdowns, potentially due to temporary living arrangements or multi-generational households. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of household composition in Australia, which continues to evolve over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average household size in 2021 | 2.59 people |
| Average household size in 2022 | 2.5 people |
| Average household size in 2046 (projected) | 2.4-2.6 people |
| Households with only one person in 2021 | 26% |
| Households with only one person in 2001 | 9% |
| Households with 2 persons in 2021 | 33.5% |
| Households with 4 or more persons in 2021 | 25% |
| Households with children | 26% in 2021 |
| Households without children | 74% in 2021 |
| Group households in 2021 | 4% |
| Group households in 2001 | 3% |
| Average group household size in 2021 | 2.3 people |
| Average group household size in 2001 | 2 people |
| Households with one parent families | Less common in Australian Capital Territory |
| Households with couple families with children | More common in Victoria |
| Households with couple families without children | Less common in Northern Territory |
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What You'll Learn
Household size over time
Household size in Australia has generally declined since the 1970s, with the average household size falling from 4.5 people in 1911 to 3.6 in 1961, and then to 2.6 in 2001. The average household size in Australia was 2.5 in 2021, with 26% of households containing only one person, compared to 24.4% in Greater Capital Cities. The most dominant household size in 2021 was two persons per household.
Several factors have influenced the change in household size over time. Firstly, the life cycle of families plays a role, with households typically starting small at the relationship formation stage and expanding with the arrival of children, before shrinking again as these children become adults and leave home. Secondly, the availability and affordability of housing can impact household size. For example, a lack of affordable housing may lead to smaller households, while an abundance of affordable housing could encourage larger households or multi-generational living. Additionally, cultural factors come into play, with overseas migrants and indigenous persons often having traditions of living with extended family, resulting in larger household sizes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were notable fluctuations in household sizes. Between February and September 2020, household sizes grew by around 2% on average, likely due to lockdown measures and people staying at home. However, between early 2020 and September 2022, a decline of around 1% in average household size was observed. This decline contributed to an increased demand for homes in Australia, impacting the real estate market.
Over time, various structural factors have influenced the formation of smaller households in Australia. These include an aging population, falling fertility rates, and falling marriage rates. Additionally, higher household incomes enable more individuals to live independently. Moreover, Australia's population is becoming more ethnically and culturally diverse, with an increasing number of First Nations and immigrant households. There has been a decline in families with dependent children but an increase in couple-only households, particularly older couples. These shifts in household composition have contributed to the overall decrease in average household size over the years.
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Lone-person households
Several factors have contributed to the increase in lone-person households and the overall decline in average household size. One factor is the ageing population. For those aged 50 and over, the proportion of people living alone increased from 16% in 2001 to 23% in 2021. Among those over 55, women made up the majority of those living alone (62% in 2021, down from 68% in 2001). Falling fertility and marriage rates, as well as higher household incomes, have also played a role in the shift towards smaller households. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced household sizes, as they grew by around 2% between February and September 2020, potentially due to lockdown measures.
Cultural and ethnic diversity in Australia have also influenced household sizes. The increase in lone-person households may be attributed to a decline in families with dependent children and a rise in couple-only families, particularly older couples. Indigenous and immigrant households have also become more common, with the former seeing an increase in the Northern Territory.
The shift towards smaller households has had a significant impact on the demand for housing in Australia. The decline in average household size between early 2020 and September 2022 is estimated to have resulted in an increase of around 120,000 households. This has contributed to a sizeable increase in the demand for homes, offsetting the slow population growth during the pandemic.
Overall, the increase in lone-person households in Australia is part of a broader trend of declining household sizes influenced by demographic, cultural, and economic factors. This trend has had notable implications for the housing market and reflects the changing dynamics of Australian society.
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Households with children
The size of households with children tends to fluctuate over time, influenced by the life cycle of families. Typically, households start with smaller sizes during early marriage or relationship formation. As children are born and grow up, the household size increases. However, once these children reach adulthood and leave home, the household size decreases again. This dynamic is evident in the overall decline in average household size in Australia since the 1970s.
Cultural norms and traditions also play a role in shaping households with children. For instance, overseas migrants and indigenous communities in Australia often have traditions of living with extended family members, which can significantly impact household size. This contributes to the diversity within Australian households, enriching the cultural fabric of the nation.
Economic conditions are another critical factor influencing household size. Affordability of housing can impact the decision-making process for families. For example, higher housing costs may lead to multiple generations living under one roof out of financial necessity. Conversely, higher household incomes can enable smaller households, as seen in the trend towards smaller families with fewer children.
Demographic trends, including declining fertility rates, ageing populations, and international migration, also shape the landscape of households with children. The decline in families with dependent children, coupled with an increase in couple-only families, especially older couples, is a notable shift in Australian demographics. These trends contribute to the overall decline in average household size and reflect the changing social dynamics within the country.
While the average household size in Australia is projected to remain relatively stable between 2021 and 2046, hovering around 2.4 to 2.6 people per household, the specific dynamics of households with children may evolve. The interplay of cultural norms, economic factors, and demographic trends will continue to influence the size and composition of these households, shaping the future of Australian family life.
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Group households
Households in Australia are projected to grow from 10 million in 2021 to between 13.3 and 13.9 million in 2046. The average household size in Australia in 2021 was 2.5, down from 2.6 in 2016. The average household size has been declining since 1911, when it was 4.5 people.
The increase in group households may be influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural diversity, societal acceptance of diverse living arrangements, and the availability of affordable housing. Australia's population is becoming more ethnically and culturally diverse, with increasing proportions of First Nations and immigrant households. There is also greater societal acceptance of same-sex relationships, and the number of same-sex couple households has increased over time. Additionally, the availability and cost of housing can impact household size, with a lack of affordable housing potentially leading to larger households or groups of unrelated individuals living together.
While the number of households in Australia continues to grow, the average household size is projected to remain relatively stable. Group households are expected to make up a small but consistent proportion of the total households, reflecting the diverse nature of living arrangements in the country.
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Household size by region
Household size in Australia has generally been on a decline since 1911, when the average number of people per household was 4.5. By 1961, this figure had dropped to 3.6, and by 2001, it was 2.6. The average household size in Australia was lowest in 2021, at 2.5 people, with a slight increase to 2.6 in 2022. This decline in household size is influenced by various factors, including an aging population, falling fertility and marriage rates, and higher household incomes.
When considering household size by region, some variations can be observed across Australia's states and territories. For example, the Northern Territory has the lowest proportion of lone-person households and the highest proportion of family households compared to other states and territories. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory has the lowest proportion of one-parent families. Couple families with children are also more prevalent in the Northern Territory than in other regions, except for Victoria.
The size of households can also vary between Greater Capital Cities and the rest of Australia. In 2021, 26% of households in Australia contained only one person, compared to 24.4% in Greater Capital Cities. Additionally, there was a slightly higher percentage of two-person households in Greater Capital Cities (33.5%) than in the rest of Australia (31.9%). These differences indicate that household composition may differ between urban and regional areas.
Overseas migrants and indigenous persons can also influence household size. Cultural traditions of living with extended family members can significantly impact the number of people per household. This trend is reflected in the increasing proportions of First Nations and immigrant households in Australia. However, specific data on household size by region for these diverse groups may provide further insights into the variations across different areas in Australia.
While the average household size in Australia has decreased over time, the number of households has significantly increased. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of households in Australia grew from 7.76 million to 9.275 million. This growth in households is projected to continue, with estimates suggesting that there will be between 13.3 and 13.9 million households in Australia by 2046. The average household size is expected to remain relatively stable, with projections ranging from 2.4 to 2.6 people per household.
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Frequently asked questions
The average household size in Australia in 2021 was 2.5 people.
Yes, the average household size in Australia has declined over time. In 1911, the average household size was 4.5 people, which fell to 3.6 people in 1961 and then to 2.6 people in 2001.
Household size in Australia is influenced by various factors, including relationship status, the presence of children, affordable housing availability, cultural traditions, and migration patterns.
In 2021, Australia had a lower average household size compared to countries like Senegal, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. However, it had a higher average household size than countries such as Puerto Rico, Finland, and Germany.
Yes, it is projected that by 2046, the average household size in Australia will be between 2.4 and 2.6 people. This projection considers factors such as population growth, aging populations, and changing family dynamics.
