Damon Mcknight
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by area, but its population density is low, with around 3.5 people per square kilometre. The population is heavily concentrated on the east coast, particularly in cities along the temperate south-eastern coastline, such as Sydney and Melbourne, which have a much higher population density than the rest of the country. Australia's total land area is 7,682,300 square kilometres, and its population is around 28 million, with 86.51% living in urban areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population density (people per sq. km) | 3.382 (2022) / 3.4 (2020) / 3.5 / 4 |
| Population density (people per sq. mile) | 9 |
| Total land area (sq. km) | 7,688,287 (2022) / 7,682,300 |
| Total land area (sq. mile) | 2,968,464 (2022) / 2,966,151 |
| Population | 28 million (2025) / 23,335,357 (2025) |
| Median age | 38.3 years (2025) |
| Urban population | 86.51% (2025) / 67% (2018) |
| Coastal population | 95% |
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What You'll Learn
Population density is 3.3-4 people per square km
Australia has a large land area and a relatively small population, resulting in a low population density of between 3.3 and 4 people per square kilometre. This makes it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.
The country's population is heavily concentrated on the eastern seaboard, particularly in the south-eastern region between South East Queensland and Adelaide. About 95% of the population lives within 100 km of the coast, compared to a world average of 39%. The population density in central Melbourne, for example, exceeds 38 inhabitants per square kilometre. Australia's population is also highly urbanised, with 67% living in metropolitan areas in 2018.
Despite the overall low population density, some of Australia's major cities have higher population densities comparable to other Western countries. For example, Melbourne's inner city has Australia's highest population density at 22,400 people per square kilometre. However, when compared to cities like New York, which has a population density of over 38,000 people per square kilometre, Australian cities still appear relatively lowly populated.
Living in a densely populated area has its benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, people in cities have instant access to a community and can more easily make connections. There are also more lifestyle perks, such as concerts, events, and amenities like museums and restaurants. On the other hand, highly populated areas tend to have more pollution and less autonomy.
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86.51% of the population is urban
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by area, but its population density is incredibly low, with 3.38 to 3.5 people per square kilometre. This is because most of the country's interior is desert, making living conditions extremely difficult. However, 86.51% of the population is urban, with a total of 23,335,357 people living in cities as of 2025.
Australia's population is heavily concentrated on the eastern seaboard, particularly in the south-eastern region between South East Queensland and Adelaide. The country's most populous cities are Sydney and Melbourne, both with over five million people. Melbourne's inner city has Australia's highest population density at 22,400 people per square kilometre. Potts Point and Pyrmont, in Sydney's inner city, have the second-highest density in the country at 16,700 and 16,500 people per square kilometre, respectively.
Despite these numbers, Australia's big cities have relatively low population densities compared to other major cities worldwide. For example, New York City has a population density of over 38,000 people per square kilometre. Living in a city with a high population density has its perks, such as instant access to a community of people and more job opportunities. However, there are also downsides, including increased pollution and less autonomy.
Australia's low population density, especially when compared to other countries, is quite notable. For instance, India has a population density of 464 people per square kilometre, while the United States has 36 people per square kilometre. This shows that Australia's population is relatively spread out, with plenty of open space.
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Australia is the 6th largest country by area
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by area, with a total land area of 7,682,300 km2 (2,966,151 sq. miles) or 7,688,287 km2 (2,968,464 sq. mi). It is the smallest of all the continental land masses, but it is the largest island in the world. Australia is the only country that takes up an entire continent. It has 35,877 km (22,293 mi) of coastline, excluding all offshore islands, and an exclusive economic zone of 8,148,250 km2 (3,146,060 sq. mi). This zone does not include the Australian Antarctic Territory, which would add about 5.9 million km2 (2.3 million sq. miles) to the country's total landmass area.
Australia's population density is low, at 3.382 people per square km as of 2022, increasing from 3.339 in 2021. Other sources give the figure as 3.4 or 3.5 people per square km, with one source giving a figure of 4 people per square km. This makes Australia one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Its population of almost 28 million is highly urbanised, with 67% living in metropolitan areas in 2018 and 86.51% in 2025. The population is heavily concentrated on the east coast, particularly in the south-eastern region between South East Queensland and Adelaide. About 95% of the population lives within 100 km of the coast, compared to a world average of 39%. The median age in Australia is 38.3 years.
Australia is a megadiverse country, with a wide variety of landscapes and climates. It has rainforests along the coast and deserts in the interior, which cover more than a third of its land area. The Australian mainland is relatively flat, with an average height of 325 metres (1,066 ft) compared to 870 metres (2,850 ft) for all continents. The Great Dividing Range runs along most of eastern Australia, dividing the central lowlands from the eastern highlands. Forest cover is around 17% of Australia's land area, and in 2021, Australia had 10% of the world's permanent meadows and pastureland.
Australia is a constitutional monarchy and a federal parliamentary democracy comprising six states and ten territories. It has a highly developed economy and one of the highest per capita incomes globally. Its abundant natural resources and well-developed international trade relations are crucial to its economy. It ranks highly for quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, civil liberties, and political rights.
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95% of the population lives within 100 km of the coast
Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world by area, with a total land area of 7,682,300 Km² (2,966,151 sq. miles). However, despite its vast size, Australia's population density is incredibly low, with only 3.382 people per square kilometre as of December 2022. This is due to the country's interior being largely desert, making it uninhabitable. As a result, the majority of Australia's population is concentrated on the coastal fringes, with about 95% of the population living within 100 km of the coast. This is in stark contrast to the world average of 39%.
The population is heavily concentrated on the east coast, particularly in the south-eastern region between South East Queensland and Adelaide. This area includes major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, which have significantly higher population densities than the national average. For example, Melbourne's inner city has Australia's highest population density at 22,400 people per square kilometre.
The high population density in these coastal areas can be attributed to various factors, including the temperate climate, access to trade and transportation routes, and the presence of major cities. These areas also tend to have more job opportunities, especially in-person entry-level positions, and offer a wider range of amenities and lifestyle perks, such as cultural events, museums, parks, and restaurants.
However, living in densely populated areas also has its drawbacks. One of the most significant disadvantages is the increased pollution of air, water, and land. Additionally, high population density can lead to reduced autonomy and a sense of isolation, despite being surrounded by people.
Overall, the unique distribution of Australia's population along its coastline reflects the country's geography, climate, and economic activities, resulting in a highly urbanized and concentrated population despite its low overall population density.
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The population is heavily concentrated on the east coast
Australia's population density is 3.5 inhabitants per square kilometre, one of the lowest in the world. The country is the sixth-largest in the world by total area, and the largest in Oceania. However, the population is heavily concentrated on the east coast, particularly in the south-eastern region between South East Queensland and Adelaide. This is due to the fact that most of the country's interior is arid or semi-arid desert, also known as the outback, and presents extremely difficult living conditions.
The Great Dividing Range runs along most of eastern Australia, dividing the central lowlands from the eastern highlands. The coastal fringe benefits from a more temperate climate, and cities along the south-east coastline have a much higher population density than the country at large. For example, central Melbourne has a population density of 38 inhabitants per square kilometre, and Melbourne's inner city has Australia's highest population density at 22,400 people per square kilometre. Sydney also has a population of over five million, and Potts Point and Pyrmont, in Sydney's inner city, have the second-highest population density in Australia at 16,700 and 16,500 people per square kilometre, respectively.
The concentration of people in these cities is due to the increased job opportunities, community, and lifestyle perks that come with urban living. However, there are also downsides to living in densely populated areas, such as increased pollution and less autonomy.
The population density of Australia's biggest cities is still relatively low when compared to other major cities in the Western world, such as New York City, which has a population density of over 38,000 people per square kilometre.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia's population density is around 9 people per square mile.
Australia is the 6th largest country in the world by area, but most of the country's interior is desert, making it uninhabitable. This means that the population is heavily concentrated on the eastern seaboard, particularly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Australia has a population of almost 28 million.
