Lexi Webster
Australia's population has been growing older, with the median age increasing from 33.4 years in 1994 to 38.3 years in 2024. The percentage of the population aged 65 and over has increased from 12% to 17% over the same period. As of 2023, 31% of people in Australia were born overseas, and 38% of the population in capital cities were between 20 and 44 years old, compared to 30% in the rest of Australia. In 2021, the population of Australia was 25,422,788, excluding overseas visitors. As of 30 June 2024, Australia's population was 27.2 million.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total population | 27.2 million as of 30 June 2024 |
| Population growth rate | 1.4% average annual growth rate over the past 3 decades |
| Median age | 38.3 years as of 30 June 2024 |
| Life expectancy | 81.1 years for males and 85.1 years for females as of 2021-2023 |
| Population concentration | 73% in major cities, 25% in inner and outer regional areas, 1.9% in remote and very remote areas |
| Overseas-born residents | 31% as of 30 June 2021 |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population | 984,000 (3.8% of the total population) as of 30 June 2021 |
| Age distribution | People aged 20-44: 38% in capital cities, 30% in the rest of Australia; People aged 55+: 26% in capital cities, 34% in the rest of Australia |
| Youth characteristics | 25% of young people were born overseas as of 2019; 9.3% had a disability as of 2018; 6.1% identified as gay, lesbian, or other sexual orientation as of 2019 |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's population in 2022 was 26 million
The median age of the Australian population in 2022 was 38.5 years, with a median age of 37 years for males and 39 years for females. The population has been ageing, with the median age increasing to 38.3 years by June 2024. The percentage of the population aged 65 and over has increased from 12% in 1994 to 17% in 2024. In contrast, 18.2% of the population was aged between 0 and 15 years in 2021.
Australia's population is diverse, with almost half (48%) of Australians having at least one parent born overseas as of the 2021 Census. In 2023, 31% of the population were born overseas, an increase of 8 percentage points over the past 30 years. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population made up 3.8% of the total population in 2021, with 2.6% being male and 2.5% being female.
The majority of Australians reside in major cities, with 73% of the population calling these areas home. These cities have a younger age distribution, with a higher proportion of people aged 20 to 44. Sydney, for example, has 38% of its population in this age group, compared to 29% in the rest of New South Wales. The sex ratio in the combined capital cities also indicates a higher share of females, with 98.4 males per 100 females.
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31% of Australians were born overseas
As of 2023, Australia has a population of approximately 26 million people, with about 73% of those being over the age of 18. This equates to roughly 18.98 million people. Now, turning to the topic of Australians born overseas: it is indeed true that 31% of the total Australian population were born outside of the country. This equates to roughly one in three people. When we consider just the population over 18, that percentage decreases slightly, as younger populations tend to include more recent immigrants. Nonetheless, it still represents a significant portion of the adult population.
Diving a little deeper into the demographics, we see that this 31% is made up of people from a diverse range of countries. The top five countries of birth for Australian residents born overseas are: England (3.3%), India (2.9%), China (2.5%), New Zealand (2.2%), and the Philippines (1%). This shows that while the majority of Australians may have been born in the country, it is also a nation that has attracted immigrants from a wide variety of nations, with a particularly significant proportion coming from other English-speaking countries.
When we break this data down further, we can see that certain states and territories have higher proportions of overseas-born residents. For example, in New South Wales, 34.5% of the population were born overseas, while in Victoria, this number rises to 35.5%. The Australian Capital Territory has the highest proportion, with 37.5% of its population being foreign-born. These areas tend to be the most populous states and territories, and also the ones with the biggest cities, suggesting that immigrants are often drawn to the economic and employment opportunities in these urban centers.
The reasons for this significant proportion of overseas-born residents are varied and reflect Australia's history and policies over time. Australia has a long history of immigration, with the country actively encouraging immigration during various periods, particularly after World War II, when large-scale immigration programs were initiated to populate the country and provide labor for growing industries. More recently, Australia has maintained relatively liberal immigration policies, particularly for skilled workers and students, which has contributed to the continued influx of foreign-born residents.
The social and cultural impact of this significant proportion of overseas-born citizens is also worth noting. Australia is often celebrated as a multicultural society, and this diversity has influenced many aspects of Australian life, including cuisine, arts, and sports. However, there have also been challenges, including issues of racial tension and the need for policies and programs to promote social cohesion and inclusion.
In conclusion, the fact that 31% of Australians were born overseas is a significant aspect of the country's demographics and has had, and continues to have, a profound impact on Australia's society and culture. It is a testament to Australia's history as a nation of immigrants and its ongoing appeal as a destination for those seeking new opportunities and a better life. This diversity is a key characteristic of modern Australia and is likely to continue shaping the country's future.
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48% have a parent born overseas
Australia's population was approximately 27.2 million as of 30 June 2024, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The country's population has grown older, with the median age increasing from 33.4 years in 1994 to 38.3 years in 2024. Net overseas migration has been the primary driver of population growth, with an increase from 47,000 people in 1993-94 to 435,000 people in 2023-24.
The 2021 Census revealed that 48% of Australians, or 48.2% to be precise, have at least one parent born overseas. This indicates a diverse population with a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The Census collected information on over 250 ancestries and 350 languages, highlighting the multicultural nature of Australia's communities.
The largest increase in the country of birth for people born outside Australia was India, which surpassed China and New Zealand to become the third-largest country of birth after Australia and England. Additionally, the population of Nepali-born Australian residents more than doubled since 2016, with an increase of 123.7%. The top five reported ancestries in the 2021 Census were English (33.0%), Australian (29.9%), Irish (9.5%), Scottish (8.6%), and Chinese (5.5%).
The number of people using a language other than English at home has also increased significantly, rising by nearly 800,000 to over 5.5 million. This includes an increase of over 239,000 people using Punjabi at home, an 80% increase since 2016. Mandarin remains the most common language spoken at home other than English, followed by Arabic.
The 2021 Census counted 25,422,788 people in Australia, excluding overseas visitors, and provided valuable insights into cultural diversity, families, and homes. The data shows that Australia is a dynamic, growing, and culturally diverse nation with a significant proportion of its population having international roots.
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3.8% identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
As of 2022, Australia has a population of approximately 26.3 million people, with about 20.2 million, or 76.8% of the total population, being adults over the age of 18. Within this adult population, an important aspect of Australia's demographic makeup is the proportion of individuals who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. According to the latest data, 3.8% of Australians over the age of 18 identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. This percentage translates to approximately 765,600 people, offering valuable insights into the country's cultural diversity and the representation of its First Nations people within the adult population.
This statistic is significant as it provides a snapshot of the representation and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the adult population of Australia. It offers a starting point for discussions and policy-making regarding issues that specifically affect this community, such as healthcare, education, employment, and cultural preservation. By understanding the size and proportion of this population, governments, organizations, and communities can tailor their efforts to ensure that the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are addressed effectively.
The percentage also highlights the importance of self-identification within cultural groups. The fact that individuals have self-identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander indicates a strong sense of cultural connection and pride in their heritage. This self-identification is crucial for communities to assert their presence, ensure their representation in decision-making processes, and promote cultural preservation and empowerment. It also underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing the diverse cultures that exist within Australia, fostering a more inclusive and respectful society.
Furthermore, this statistic can guide the allocation of resources and the development of targeted initiatives. With a clear understanding of the size of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adult population, governments and organizations can allocate appropriate resources to address specific challenges faced by this community. This may include developing culturally sensitive healthcare programs, promoting educational and employment opportunities, or supporting cultural preservation and community-building initiatives. By recognizing the specific needs and perspectives of this population, more effective and impactful interventions can be designed.
While the 3.8% representation offers valuable insights, it is essential to acknowledge that this percentage may not capture the full complexity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identities. The diverse experiences and intersections of identities within this community deserve further exploration. Additionally, it is crucial to recognize that this percentage may vary across different regions of Australia, with some areas having higher concentrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults. Localized data and understanding are, therefore, essential to effectively serving the needs of this population.
Finally, this statistic serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and equitable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. It underscores the need for continuous dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between communities, governments, and organizations. By recognizing the presence and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, Australia can strive for a more inclusive and respectful society, honoring the rich cultural heritage of its First Nations people.
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6.1% identify as gay, lesbian, or 'other'
Australia's population was approximately 27.2 million as of 30 June 2024, with a median age of 38.3 years. The population has been growing at an average rate of 1.4% per year over the past three decades.
The country's population is diverse, with almost half (48%) of Australians having at least one parent born overseas. As of 30 June 2021, 31% of people in Australia were born overseas, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population stood at 984,000, or 3.8% of the total population.
In terms of age distribution, people aged 20 to 44 years make up a significant proportion of the population in major cities like Sydney (38%), Adelaide (35%), and Perth (29%), reflecting a trend of young adults moving to capital cities for education and employment opportunities. The percentage of the population aged 65 and over has increased from 12% in 1994 to 17% in 2024.
When it comes to sexual orientation, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) General Social Survey in 2019 revealed that 6.1% of respondents, equivalent to 181,000 people, identified as gay, lesbian, or having an 'other' sexual orientation. This survey provides valuable insights into the diversity of sexual orientations within the Australian population.
The ABS survey also offers respondents the option to choose from a range of responses that best describe their sexual orientation. These options include straight (heterosexual), gay or lesbian, bisexual, or other sexual orientations. It is important to acknowledge that sexual orientation is complex and fluid, and individuals may identify with more than one label or adopt new labels over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia's population was 27.2 million as of 30 June 2024.
The median age of the population of Australia was 38.3 years as of 30 June 2024.
As of 2021, 17.2% of Australia's population was 65 years old or older.
Three-quarters (73%) of the population of Australia lives in capital cities.
