Lexi Webster
Australia is known for its cultural diversity, with non-Indigenous Australians identifying with over 300 different ancestries. Migration to Australia is not a new phenomenon, with a significant rise in migration occurring after the discovery of gold in the mid-1800s. While the country as a whole has become more diverse, with every state experiencing an increase in diversity between 2001 and 2006, one state stands out as the most multicultural. So, which state is the most multicultural in Australia, and what factors contribute to its cultural diversity?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most multicultural state | Victoria and Western Australia |
| Population of Victoria in 2021 | 6.5 million |
| Population of Victoria in 2016 | 5.93 million |
| Population of Victoria living in the capital city area of Greater Melbourne in 2021 | 4.9 million |
| Percentage of people in Victoria born overseas in 2021 | 30% |
| Percentage of people in Victoria born overseas in 2016 | 28.3% |
| Percentage of people in Australia as a whole born overseas | 27.6% |
| Percentage of Victorians born overseas or with a parent born overseas | 49.1% |
| Percentage of Victorians with both parents born overseas | 41.3% |
| Top 5 countries of birth in Victoria in 2021 | India, China, UK, New Zealand, and Philippines |
| Percentage of people in Western Australia born overseas in 2011 | 30.7% |
| City with the highest proportion of population born in non-English speaking countries in 2011 | Sydney |
| Australian state with the oldest continuous culture | Western Australia |
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What You'll Learn
Victoria: a culturally diverse society
Victoria is home to one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world and is among the fastest-growing and most diverse states in Australia. Victoria's population was 6.5 million in 2021, up from 5.93 million in 2016. Almost four out of five people in Victoria lived in the capital city area of Greater Melbourne (4.9 million).
Victoria's cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity is one of its greatest strengths, bringing many social and economic benefits. Victorians come from more than 300 ancestries, speak more than 290 languages and dialects, and follow over 140 faiths. In 2021, 29.9% of Victoria's population were born overseas, an increase from 28.3% in 2016, and greater than the national average. Over 49% of Victorians were either born overseas or have a parent born overseas, and more than 41% reported having both parents born overseas. The proportion of Victorians who come from non-main English-speaking countries is 77.7%—the highest of any Australian state or territory.
The diverse origins of the population are reflected in the variety of religious faiths found in the state. Christian denominations with the most adherents include Roman Catholic, Anglican, Uniting, Eastern Orthodox, and Presbyterian churches. There are also significant Muslim, Buddhist, and Sikh communities. Roughly one-fifth of Victorians follow no specific religion. Victoria is the most densely populated Australian state, surpassed only by New South Wales in total population. More than half of Victoria's population growth has been attributable to immigration from overseas.
The largest groups of non-Australian- and non-British-born residents of Victoria are from Italy, New Zealand, Vietnam, China, Greece, and India. Most Indian-born Australians live in Victoria, and they report 159 ancestries and use almost 90 languages at home. Victoria also has a significant Nepalese-born population, who report 52 ancestries and 30 languages used at home.
Multicultural communities in Victoria demonstrate strength and resilience in starting a new life, and they make invaluable social, cultural, and economic contributions that shape the state. The state government acknowledges the deep community connections, cultural knowledge, wisdom, and leadership within these communities, as well as people's strong desire to support one another and give back.
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Western Australia: highest percentage of overseas-born residents
Australia has the world's oldest continuous culture, as well as non-Indigenous Australians who identify with over 300 different ancestries. Migration to Australia is not a new phenomenon. The discovery of gold in the mid-1800s led to a significant rise in migration. Between 1852 and 1860, approximately 600,000 people migrated to Australia, with 81% from the UK, 10% from Europe, and 7% from China.
Western Australia has the highest percentage of overseas-born residents, at 30.7%. This is followed by Victoria, with 30% of its population born overseas. However, Victoria is among the fastest-growing and most diverse states in Australia, with almost four out of five people living in the capital city area of Greater Melbourne. The top five countries of birth in Victoria in 2021 were New Zealand (1.5%), China (1.4%), India (1.4%), England (1.2%), and Vietnam (0.6%).
While Western Australia has the highest percentage of overseas-born residents, it is important to note that most of these migrants are from English-speaking countries, particularly the UK and South Africa. As a result, Western Australia has a lower proportion of residents from non-English-speaking backgrounds (NESB) compared to other states. The highest-ranking regional area for NESB population is Coober Pedy in South Australia, with 21.7% of the population from a NESB background.
Perth, the highest-ranked area in Western Australia for NESB numbers, comes in at number 21 on the list of diverse Local Government Areas (LGAs). In contrast, Victoria has a higher NESB population than New South Wales (NSW), but those in NSW are more concentrated, particularly in Western Sydney. As a result, there are more LGAs in NSW in the top 20 diverse LGAs.
Overall, Australia has become more diverse, with big increases in NESB populations in all states between 2001 and 2006. Sydney, particularly Western Sydney, remains Australia's multicultural epicentre, with every one of the top 20 diverse LGAs located in Sydney (15) or Melbourne (5).
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Sydney: Australia's multicultural epicentre
Australia is home to the world's oldest continuous culture, as well as non-Indigenous Australians who identify with over 300 different ancestries. Migration to Australia is not a new phenomenon. The discovery of gold in the mid-1800s led to a significant rise in migration. Between 1852 and 1860, more than 600,000 people arrived in Australia, with 81% from the UK, 10% from Europe, and 7% from China.
Sydney, notably Western Sydney, remains Australia's multicultural epicentre. Every one of the top 20 most diverse Local Government Areas (LGAs) is in Sydney (15) or Melbourne (5). Although Perth is catching up in terms of Non-English-Speaking Background (NESB) numbers overall, they are more spread out, and the City of Perth, the highest-ranked area in Western Australia, comes in at number 21 on the list.
Victoria is home to one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world and is also among the fastest-growing and most diverse states in Australia. At the 2021 Census, 30% of Victoria's population were born overseas, up from 28.3% in 2016. This is greater than the national percentage, with 27.6% of Australia's population born overseas.
Western Australia has the highest percentage of people born overseas at 30.7%. However, since a majority of WA's migrants are from English-speaking countries (the UK and South Africa), it has a much lower NESB proportion.
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Tasmania: growing share of overseas migrants
Australia is a multicultural country, with Sydney being its multicultural epicentre. Western Australia has the highest percentage of people born overseas at 30.7%, while Victoria is among the fastest-growing and most diverse states in the country. In 2021, 30% of Victoria's population were born overseas, up from 28.3% in 2016.
Tasmania, which normally gets a very small share of overseas migrants, has also been experiencing a population boom. Interstate migration was a net negative a decade ago, but this trend has reversed, and interstate migration is now the second biggest driver of population growth in Tasmania. The state's population is growing at its fastest rate in five years, and the Tasmanian government is welcoming the increase.
Tasmania has been described as Australia's most beautiful state, and it has the best air quality in the country. It is also a state that is growing very quickly in terms of education, lifestyle, and wellbeing. The state government has introduced a population growth strategy that focuses on sustainable population growth and investments in infrastructure. Tasmania has a lot to offer in terms of career opportunities, lifestyle, and community. It is known for its natural scenery, cultural scene, and friendly people.
However, the population increase has also brought challenges. There is a squeeze on housing, and traffic congestion has increased. Affordable housing is a significant issue, especially for people on humanitarian visa schemes. Some residents have expressed concerns about the lack of infrastructure to support the growing population, and there are mixed feelings about the impact of tourism and population growth on the state's unique island life.
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Maningrida: one of the world's most linguistically diverse communities
Australia is a culturally diverse country, with non-Indigenous Australians identifying with over 300 different ancestries. Migration to Australia is not new, with a significant rise in migration occurring in the mid-1800s due to the discovery of gold. Between 1852 and 1860, more than 600,000 people migrated to Australia, with the majority originating from the UK, followed by Europe and China.
While many of Australia's states and cities are multicultural, Maningrida, located on Australia's north-central coast, stands out as one of the world's most linguistically diverse communities. In Maningrida, 15 languages are spoken or signed daily among just a few thousand people. This linguistic diversity is a remarkable aspect of this small community and showcases the rich cultural tapestry of Australia.
Victoria is also celebrated for its cultural diversity, with almost 30% of its population born overseas in 2021, a higher proportion than the national average. Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria, is a cultural melting pot, attracting people from all over the world. The state's diverse population is reflected in its religious affiliations, with a notable decrease in those identifying as Western (Roman) Catholic between 2016 and 2021.
Western Australia has the highest percentage of residents born overseas at 30.7%, according to 2011 data. However, since most migrants in Western Australia come from English-speaking countries, the state has a lower Non-English Speaking Background (NESB) population. Sydney, particularly Western Sydney, remains Australia's multicultural epicentre, with a high concentration of NESB populations.
While diversity has increased across the country, some regional areas have experienced notable increases in migrant groups. For example, the agricultural area of Griffith in New South Wales has a large Italian community and a growing presence of individuals from Afghanistan and India. These diverse communities contribute to the rich multicultural fabric of Australia, making it a unique and vibrant nation.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is home to the world's oldest continuous culture, as well as non-Indigenous Australians who identify with over 300 different ancestries. Migration to Australia is not a new phenomenon. According to the 2011 census, Western Australia had the highest percentage of people born overseas at 30.7%. However, according to the 2021 census, Victoria is now home to one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world, with 30% of its population born overseas.
According to the 2021 census, 27.6% of Australia's population was born overseas. This percentage has increased over time, with 24.6% of the population born overseas in 2011.
Sydney, notably Western Sydney, remains Australia's multicultural epicentre. Every one of the top 20 most diverse Local Government Areas (LGAs) is in Sydney (15) or Melbourne (5).
The discovery of gold in Australia in the mid-1800s led to a significant rise in migration. Between 1852 and 1860, more than 600,000 people arrived in Australia, with 81% from the UK, 10% from Europe, and 7% from China. After Federation in 1901, the White Australia Policy was used to prevent non-Europeans from settling in Australia, resulting in a rapid decrease in overseas-born residents.
Overall, diversity has increased across the country, particularly in capital cities. Regional areas have also experienced increases in migrant groups, with communities developing in regional cities that are not present in state capitals. For example, Albanians in Shepparton, Victoria, and Italians in Griffith, NSW.
