
Australia's population has grown significantly over the last century. In 1900, the country was not yet federalized, and the population consisted mostly of Indigenous Australians and a growing number of ethnic Europeans. The exact population in 1900 is unclear, but by 1901, the median age was 22.5 years, and the country's population was approximately 350,000. Australia's population has since increased to over 25 million in 2020, with a median age of 38.4 in 2021.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1900 |
| Population of Australia | 3,773,801 |
| Population Density | 0.5 people per square km |
| Population Growth Rate | Unknown, but estimated at 1.2% based on subsequent census data |
| Life Expectancy | 50 years for males, 54 years for females |
| Most Populous City | Sydney, with an estimated population of 480,000 |
| Urbanization | 58% of the population lived in urban areas |
| Immigration | Encouraged, with assisted passages offered to potential immigrants |
| Total Fertility Rate | Unknown, but estimated at 3.5 children per woman |
| Mortality Rate | 16.1 deaths per 1,000 people |
| Leading Causes of Death | Tuberculosis, heart disease, stroke, and influenza |
| Average Household Size | 4.5 people |
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What You'll Learn

Australia's population in 1901 was 3.8 million
By 2021, Australia's population had grown to 25.7 million, with the country experiencing positive population growth every year since 1901, except during World War I. The population growth has been driven by both natural increase and migration, with interstate migration increasing alongside the national population expansion. Queensland has experienced the highest net gain from internal migration, while New South Wales has seen the highest net loss.
The urban population in Australia has significantly increased over time, rising from 58% in 1911 to 90% in 2021. This shift towards urbanisation is also reflected in the majority of the population residing in capital cities since 1954. Sydney and Melbourne are among the cities with the largest populations, contributing to the country's overall population density of 3.4/km2 in June 2022.
Life expectancy at birth has improved significantly since the early 1900s, increasing by 26 years. Fertility rates have decreased from 3.1 births per woman in 1921 to 1.7 in 2021. The median age of Australians has also risen, reaching 38.4 years in 2021. These demographic changes have resulted in an ageing population, with the 60-64 age group experiencing the greatest increase as a proportion of the total population.
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The median age in 1901 was 22.5 years
Australia's population in 1901 was 3.8 million, with a median age of 22.5 years. This youthfulness can be attributed to various factors, including high birth rates and low life expectancy. At the time, the rate of natural increase was 14.9 persons per 1,000 population, indicating a significant number of births or a low number of deaths, or both. This rate further increased in the following years, peaking at 17.4 per thousand population in 1912-1914.
The median age of 22.5 years in 1901 reflects a young and vibrant population in Australia. This median age has significantly increased over time, reaching 38.4 years in 2021. The population has aged, but it has also grown, with Australia's population in 2021 being 6.8 times larger than in 1901. This substantial growth is due to a combination of factors, including fertility rates, life expectancy, and migration.
In the early 1900s, fertility rates were high, with 3.1 births per woman in 1921. Over time, these rates have decreased, falling to 1.7 births per woman in 2021. This decline in fertility has contributed to the aging population, as there are fewer young individuals to lower the overall median age.
Life expectancy at birth has also increased significantly since the early 1900s, adding to the aging population. In 2015-2017, life expectancy in Australia was 83.2 years, one of the highest in the world. This increase in life expectancy has shifted the demographic structure towards an older population.
Migration has also played a role in shaping Australia's population. Since 1901, the country has experienced waves of immigration, with many young people choosing to settle in Australia. This influx of younger individuals may have contributed to the median age of 22.5 years in 1901 and continued to impact the demographic landscape over time.
The median age of 22.5 years in 1901 reflects a unique demographic snapshot of Australia's population. Over the following decades, the country experienced significant changes, with fluctuations in birth rates, life expectancy, and migration patterns, all contributing to the aging and growing population we see today.
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Urban population in 1911 was 58%
Australia's population in 1901 was 3.8 million, and it has grown substantially since then, reaching 25.7 million in 2021. This growth has been driven by various factors, including increased life expectancy, migration, and, more recently, higher fertility rates. Notably, the country's urban population has exhibited a significant increase over time, with 58% of Australians residing in urban areas in 1911.
Urbanisation played a pivotal role in shaping Australia's population distribution. By 1911, 58% of Australians lived in urban areas, marking a shift towards urban living. This trend persisted, and over time, the country became increasingly urbanised. The appeal of urban life in Australia can be attributed to various factors, including economic opportunities, access to services, and the convenience of modern amenities.
The urban population in 1911, constituting 58% of the total population, was predominantly concentrated in a handful of cities and their suburbs. Even today, Australia is highly urbanised, with 89% of its people living in urban areas. This trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating that the number of households will increase by almost 3 million by 2046.
The high degree of urbanisation in Australia is partly due to the country's unique geographical characteristics. The vast and arid Outback, with its sparse population, contrasts sharply with the highly urbanised coastal areas. The majority of Australians live close to coastlines, with the largest population centres found in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
The urban population in 1911, comprising 58% of Australia's total population, was not evenly distributed across different demographic groups. At that time, the median age of the overall population was 22.5 years, and the gender distribution varied, with a higher proportion of males in some areas and females in others. The urban-rural divide likely influenced the demographic makeup of different regions, shaping the social and cultural dynamics of the time.
In conclusion, the fact that 58% of Australians lived in urban areas in 1911 is indicative of the country's early urbanisation process. This trend has continued, and Australia is now one of the most urbanised countries in the world. The high degree of urbanisation has had, and continues to have, a significant impact on the country's demographics, economy, and culture.
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Fertility rate in 1921 was 3.1 births per woman
Australia's population has grown significantly since 1900, when the country had an estimated population of 3.8 million. By 2021, this figure had increased to 25.7 million. Urbanisation has played a significant role in this growth, with the majority of the population living in urban areas since 1911. The fertility rate, or the average number of children per woman, has also undergone notable changes.
In 1921, the fertility rate in Australia was 3.1 births per woman. This was a decrease from the early 1800s when Australian women had approximately 6.5 children on average over their lifetime. The fertility rate fluctuated over the next few decades, with an increase during the Australian gold rushes due to an influx of migrants, followed by a decrease from 1860 to 1935, when it reached 2.2 children per woman. There was a small baby boom after the First World War, and the rate rose again during the global 'Baby Boom' after the Second World War, reaching 3.4 in the 1960s.
Since then, the fertility rate in Australia has generally declined. In 2021, the fertility rate was 1.7 births per woman, and in 2023, it dropped even further to 1.5 births per woman. This decline has been attributed to various factors, including the trend of women giving birth later in life, which can lead to difficulties in conceiving and achieving their desired family size. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have played a role in helping some women overcome infertility issues.
It is worth noting that the fertility rates vary among different groups of women in Australia. For example, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women have higher fertility rates compared to the general population, with a rate of 2.17 births per woman in 2023. Additionally, women born overseas tend to have lower fertility rates than women born in Australia.
The declining fertility rates in Australia have implications for the country's population growth and demographics. According to projections, continued low fertility rates, combined with an increase in deaths due to an ageing population, could result in a natural population decrease sometime in the mid-2030s. However, migration has played a significant role in Australia's population growth, and it remains to be seen how these factors will shape the country's future demographics.
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Crude death rate in 1901 was 12.2 deaths per 1000 population
Australia's population in 1901 was 3.8 million. The crude death rate in the same year was 12.2 deaths per 1000 population. This means that out of every 1000 people, 12.2 people died. This rate has decreased significantly over time, falling to 6.4 deaths per 1000 population in 2006.
The crude death rate is a measure of the number of deaths in a given year per 1000 people in the population. It is an important indicator of a country's overall health and mortality trends. The crude death rate can be influenced by various factors, including the age distribution of the population, the prevalence of certain diseases or health conditions, and access to healthcare services.
In 1901, Australia had a relatively high crude death rate compared to later years. This could be attributed to several factors, including the medical knowledge and technology available at the time, as well as the social and economic conditions that impacted overall health and well-being.
During the early 1900s, Australia experienced significant improvements in healthcare and sanitation. The life expectancy at birth has increased by 26 years since then. Additionally, advancements in medical technology and treatments have contributed to a decline in death rates over time.
It is worth noting that the crude death rate does not consider age or cause of death. Other measures, such as the age-specific death rate and the standardised death rate, provide more nuanced insights by taking into account the age distribution of the population and specific causes of death. These rates help identify high-risk age groups and understand the impact of certain diseases or conditions on mortality.
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Frequently asked questions
I cannot find the exact population of Australia in 1900. However, by 1800, the population of Australia was approximately 350,000 people, the majority of whom were Indigenous Australians. By 2020, the population had grown to over 25 million people.
The preliminary estimated resident population of Australia as of 30 September 2009 was 22,065,671 people.
Population growth in Australia was relatively slow until the nineteenth century. As colonisation progressed, the number of ethnic Europeans increased while the Indigenous Australian population was decimated by conflict, smallpox and other diseases.











































