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Australia's population is a dynamic and evolving aspect of the country's social fabric. As of December 2024, Australia's population was estimated to be around 27.4 million people, with a growth rate of about 1.7% compared to the previous year. This growth comes despite a declining birth rate, which hit a two-decade low, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected migration patterns and excess mortality. Australia's population is diverse, with almost half of Australians having at least one parent born overseas, and a median age of 38.3 years as of 2024, reflecting an ageing population. The population is concentrated in major cities, with three-quarters of people living in urban areas.
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What You'll Learn
Population growth
Australia's population growth has been influenced by various factors, including immigration, urbanisation, and changing demographics. As of 2022, Australia's population stood at around 26 million, with projections indicating a rise to between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071. The annual growth rate is expected to decrease from the current 1.4% to a range of 0.2% to 0.9%.
The country's population has witnessed a notable increase since the 2016 Census, with an 8.6% rise recorded in the 2021 Census, totalling 25,422,788 people (excluding overseas visitors). This growth is attributed to various factors, including natural increase and net overseas migration. As of December 2024, Australia's population reached 27,400,013, with a quarterly growth of 91,133 people (0.3%) and an annual growth of 445,900 people (1.7%).
Overseas migration has played a significant role in Australia's population growth. In the year ending December 2024, net overseas migration contributed 340,800 people to the overall population increase. The largest increases in overseas-born populations were observed among individuals from India, followed by England, China, and New Zealand.
Internal migration patterns have also influenced population distribution within Australia. Capital cities experienced a net loss of 11,800 people due to internal migration, the largest quarterly net loss on record. This loss is attributed to a combination of overseas and internal migration patterns.
Australia's population growth has resulted in a rising median age, which is projected to increase from the current 38.5 years to between 43.8 and 47.6 years by 2071. Additionally, the population density, as of June 2022, was reported as 3.4/km2 (8.8/sq mi), making Australia one of the least densely populated countries globally.
The country's population growth has been monitored and assessed by organisations like the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), which provides valuable insights into the demographic changes and projections for Australia's population.
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Population decline
Australia's population is currently around 27 million people, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). However, the nation is facing a significant population decline due to a sharp drop in its birth rate. The birth rate in Australia has fallen to 1.5 babies per woman, well below the level of 2.1 needed to sustain the current population. This trend is not unique to Australia, with many other developed nations, such as Japan, Italy, and South Korea, also experiencing similar declines.
The low birth rate in Australia has raised concerns about the potential economic and social impacts. Dr Bill von Hippel, a renowned evolutionary psychologist, has warned that the decline in births could lead to a shrinking population and workforce, impacting the country's innovation and economic growth. He predicts that Australia will need to attract skilled migrants to support its ageing population and meet workforce demands. This sentiment is echoed by futurologist Rocky Scopelliti, who foresees a "global talent war" among countries vying for migrants to bolster their populations and economies.
The Australian government recognises the challenges posed by the declining birth rate and is exploring strategies to address them. Dr von Hippel suggests that Australia should focus on improving liveability, housing affordability, and streamlining pathways to permanent residency to attract and retain migrants. Elon Musk, a billionaire entrepreneur, has also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the urgency of addressing declining birth and fertility rates. He believes that "population collapse" due to low birth rates poses a more significant risk to civilization than global warming.
Despite the current concerns, Australia's population is projected to grow in the coming decades. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the population is expected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071, with an annual growth rate of 1.4%. However, it is important to note that the median age is also projected to increase during this period, which may further exacerbate the challenges associated with an ageing population.
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Population diversity
Australia's population is diverse, with a mix of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. As of December 2024, the country's population was estimated to be 27.4 million people, with a significant proportion, approximately 8.6 million or 31.5%, born overseas. This diversity is a result of Australia's long history of immigration, with people from all over the world choosing to call Australia home.
The country has experienced significant population growth in recent years, with an annual growth rate of 1.7% in 2024. This growth is driven by both natural increases and net overseas migration. In the year ending December 2024, Australia's population grew by 445,900 people, with a net overseas migration of 340,800. The capital cities have been a major destination for migrants, with the capitals growing by 427,800 people in 2023-24, comprising overseas migration, natural increase, and internal migration.
The diversity of Australia's population is evident in its major cities, with people from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds living and working together. The country has a rich multicultural landscape, with communities from England, India, China, and New Zealand, among others, contributing to its social fabric. This diversity is celebrated and embraced through various cultural events, festivals, and initiatives that promote social cohesion and inclusion.
However, managing population diversity and growth comes with challenges. There are concerns about the impact of mass immigration on infrastructure and housing. Some Australians worry that the government is not adequately addressing these issues, and there are calls for a comprehensive immigration plan and population minister. Additionally, there are disparities within the population, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing a higher net undercount in the Census, indicating potential underrepresentation and disparities in access to services and resources.
Despite these challenges, Australia continues to strive for inclusivity and social cohesion. The country recognizes the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and respects their continuing connection to it. By acknowledging and valuing the diverse cultures and communities that call Australia home, the nation is working towards fostering a sense of belonging and equality for all its residents.
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Population age
Australia's population is ageing, with the number of older people increasing and the number of younger people decreasing. In June 2022, the
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Population distribution
Australia's population was 27,400,013 as of 31 December 2024, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This figure represents a quarterly growth of 91,133 people (0.3%) and an annual growth of 445,900 people (1.7%). The population of Australia has been increasing over time and is projected to continue doing so.
The population is not evenly distributed throughout the country, with significant variations between states and territories. As of December 2024, the state of New South Wales had the highest population, followed by Victoria and Queensland. The Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory have much smaller populations.
Internal migration is a key factor influencing population distribution within Australia. People move between Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSAs) and Rest of State regions, resulting in shifts in population numbers across the country. For example, in 2023-24, the capitals experienced a net loss of 11,800 people due to internal migration, indicating a movement of people away from the capital cities.
Overseas migration also plays a significant role in Australia's population distribution. At 30 June 2024, 8.6 million people in Australia were born overseas, representing 31.5% of the total population. The countries of birth with the largest populations in Australia include England, India, China, and New Zealand. The impact of overseas migration varies across states and territories, with some areas experiencing positive net migration while others have negative net migration.
The distribution of the population also varies across urban and regional areas. Capital cities tend to have higher populations compared to regional areas, but this can change over time due to internal migration patterns. Additionally, certain regions within states may experience higher population growth or decline due to factors such as employment opportunities, housing affordability, and lifestyle preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
The population of Australia as of 31 December 2024 was 27,400,013.
The population of Australia in 2022 was 26 million and is projected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071.
The median age of the population in Australia was 38.5 years in 2022. It is projected to increase to between 43.8 and 47.6 years by 2071.
As of 30 June 2024, 31.5% of Australia's population was born overseas. This percentage has been increasing over time and includes people from a wide range of countries.
