Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is one of the world's most urbanised countries, with 89% of its population living in urban areas. The population of Australia is projected to be around 27 million people in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 1.7%. The population density is low compared to other countries, with only 3.4 people per square kilometre. Australia's population has been steadily increasing since 1901, when it was 3.8 million, and is projected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071. In crores, Australia's population in 2024 is approximately 2.7 crores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population of Australia | 2.6 crores |
| Year | 2023 |
| Source | |
| Exchange Rate | 1 AUD = 0.69 USD (as of July 2023) |
| World Ranking | 56th most populous country |
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What You'll Learn
Population growth and projections
Australia's population has grown significantly over the last century. In 1901, the country's population was 3.8 million, increasing to 25.4 million in 2021, according to the census conducted that year. This growth has been influenced by various factors, including the post-World War II baby boom, immigration, and increasing life expectancy. By 2024, Australia's population had reached approximately 27.4 million, with an annual growth rate of 1.7%. Net overseas migration contributed significantly to this growth, with around 594,900 people migrating to Australia in 2024, while about 254,200 people departed, resulting in a net overseas migration of 340,750.
The population of Australia is projected to continue growing in the coming decades, albeit at a slower pace. The current ten-year average annual growth rate is 1.4%, but it is projected to decline to between 0.2% and 0.9%. By 2041, Australia's population is expected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million. The median age is also projected to increase during this period, rising to between 43.8 and 47.6 years.
However, population growth is not expected to continue indefinitely. Projections by the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate that a combination of low fertility rates and an ageing population will lead to a natural increase falling below zero sometime in the mid-2030s. This means that there will be more deaths than births in the country. The fertility rate has been declining since 1962, falling below 2.1, which is the replacement rate necessary for a stable population. As of 2021, the fertility rate in Australia is 1.7 births per woman.
The population distribution in Australia is uneven, with most people living in urban areas and along the coastlines. Australia is one of the most urbanised countries in the world, with 89% of its population residing in urban areas. The country has a low population density, currently reported as 3.4 people per square kilometre, making it the third least densely populated country globally.
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Population density
The population of Australia is approximately 26.13 crores as of mid-2023. Now, let's discuss the population density of the country:
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by land area, covering approximately 7.7 million square kilometers. However, the majority of this land is arid or semi-arid, with a significant portion being desert or very low-lying terrain. As a result, the population is concentrated along the coastal regions, particularly in the southeast and east, where the climate is more temperate and the environment more conducive to human settlement. This uneven distribution of the population has a significant impact on the country's overall population density.
The population density of Australia is relatively low compared to other developed countries. As of 2023, the population density was approximately 3.4 people per square kilometer. This makes Australia one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. For comparison, the population density of the United States is approximately 35 people per square kilometer, while that of the United Kingdom is over 270 people per square kilometer.
The low population density in Australia can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the country's geography and land distribution play a role, with a significant portion of the land being unsuitable for human habitation or agriculture. Secondly, Australia's history of urbanization and development has been relatively recent, with the majority of the population only becoming urbanized in the 20th century. This late urbanization, coupled with a high standard of living and effective family planning, has resulted in a slower population growth rate compared to other countries.
The population density varies significantly across Australia's states and territories. As of 2023, the Australian Capital Territory had the highest population density with 162 people per square kilometer, followed by New South Wales (10.1) and Victoria (9.8). In contrast, the Northern Territory had the lowest population density with 0.2 people per square kilometer, reflecting the vast and sparsely populated interior of the country.
In conclusion, understanding the population density of Australia provides valuable insights into the country's demographic characteristics and settlement patterns. The low population density, compared to other developed nations, is shaped by geographical factors and historical trends in urbanization and population growth. This information is crucial for policymakers and planners when making decisions regarding infrastructure development, resource allocation, and environmental management.
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Urbanisation
Australia's population is around 27 crores, with an estimated 26,974,026 people in mid-2025. The population density is 4 per Km² (9 people per sq. mile), making it the third least densely populated country globally.
Australia is one of the most urbanised countries in the world, with a high degree of urbanisation since the 1960s. In 2023, the urbanisation rate reached 86.62%, with 89% of the population living in a few urban areas. This rate has historically been above 80%, and in 2021, it was reported to be 90%. The urban population has been steadily increasing, rising from 58% in 1911. This is largely due to high rates of immigration since the 20th century, with immigrants settling in coastal, urban areas. As of 2016, over two-thirds of Australians lived in a capital city, with 40% in the two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne.
The country's urbanisation is also influenced by its geography, with much of its interior consisting of semi-arid and desert landscapes. As a result, 87% of the population lives within 50 kilometres of the coast. The population density in urban areas is higher, with a reported 3.4/km² (8.8/sq mi) density across Australia in June 2022.
The high degree of urbanisation has implications for the country's future. With low fertility rates and an ageing population, natural population increase is projected to fall below zero in the mid-2030s. This will impact the number of households and families, with a projected increase in both over the coming decades.
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Life expectancy
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the population of Australia was 27,400,013 as of 31 December 2021. The population has been increasing over the years, with an annual growth rate of 1.7%. The median age in Australia is 38.3 years, with 86.51% of the population living in urban areas.
Now, onto life expectancy in Australia:
Over the past decade, life expectancy in Australia has generally increased. Between 1993 and 2021-2023, life expectancy at birth for males increased by 6 years, and for females, it increased by 4.2 years. This improvement is even more pronounced when compared to the early 1900s, with life expectancy at birth increasing by 26 years since then.
When compared to other countries, Australia has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. However, countries like Japan, Switzerland, and Korea have higher life expectancies than Australia.
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Fertility rates
The population of Australia is approximately 2.6 crores or 26 million people. Now, let's discuss fertility rates and their impact on population:
Various factors influence fertility rates in Australia. One significant factor is the increasing age at which women are having their first child. The average age of women giving birth for the first time in Australia is now 31. This delay in childbearing can be attributed to various social and economic factors, including increased participation in higher education, establishment in the workforce, and rising costs of living and childcare. Additionally, cultural shifts towards smaller family sizes and individual choices to remain child-free also contribute to lower fertility rates.
Government policies and support systems play a crucial role in influencing fertility rates. Australia has implemented various measures to support families and encourage childbearing. These include paid parental leave schemes, childcare subsidies, and family tax benefits. Such initiatives aim to alleviate the financial burden of having children and enable better work-life balance for parents. However, the effectiveness of these policies in significantly increasing fertility rates has been limited, and Australia continues to experience below-replacement fertility.
Socio-economic factors are closely linked to fertility rates as well. Australia's high cost of living, particularly in urban areas, can impact the decision to have children or expand family size. Housing affordability, access to quality education and healthcare, and job security are all considerations that influence family planning. Additionally, cultural diversity plays a role, as fertility rates can vary across different ethnic and cultural groups within Australia, reflecting varying social norms and traditions.
It is important to note that fertility rates are not uniform across the country. Regional disparities exist, with higher fertility rates often observed in rural and remote areas compared to urban centers. This can be attributed to differences in cultural norms, employment opportunities, and access to education and healthcare. Additionally, indigenous fertility rates in Australia tend to be higher than the national average, contributing to the overall fertility rate and population growth.
While a declining fertility rate can lead to an aging population and workforce, it also brings about social and economic challenges. These include a shrinking workforce relative to the population, potential labor shortages, and increased pressure on social security and healthcare systems as the proportion of older adults requiring support grows. Managing these challenges requires thoughtful policy interventions and social adaptations to ensure the well-being of an aging society.
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Frequently asked questions
The population of Australia in 2024 was 27 crores (274 million).
The population of Australia in 2025 is estimated to be 27 crores (269 million).
The population density of Australia is 3.4/km2 or 8.8/sq mi, making it the third least densely populated country in the world.
