Ruqayyah Snyder
Indigenous Australians are the people with familial heritage from, or recognised membership of, the various ethnic groups living within the territory of contemporary Australia prior to British colonisation. The Indigenous Australians consist of two distinct groups, the Aboriginal Australians of the mainland and many islands, including Tasmania, and the Torres Strait Islanders of the seas between Queensland and Papua New Guinea, located in Melanesia. As of 30 June 2021, there were an estimated 984,000 Indigenous Australians, representing 3.8% of the total Australian population.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total population | 983,700–984,000 |
| % of total Australian population | 3.8% |
| Median age | 24 years |
| % of population under 15 years | 33.1% |
| % of population over 65 years | 5.4% |
| Top 3 states by population | New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia |
| % of population in top 3 states | 74.5% |
| State with highest proportion of Indigenous people | Northern Territory (30.8%) |
| State with lowest proportion of Indigenous people | Victoria (1.2%) |
| Median weekly household income | 28% less than non-Indigenous people |
| Languages spoken at home | 167 |
| Daily smokers | 29% |
| E-cigarette or vaping device users | 8% |
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What You'll Learn
Indigenous Australians make up 3.8% of the population
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of Australia has a younger age structure than the non-Indigenous population, with larger proportions of young people and smaller proportions of older individuals. This is reflected in the median age of the Indigenous population, which is 24 years, compared to the non-Indigenous population, which has a median age of 38 years. As of 2021, one-third (33.1%) of Indigenous Australians were under 15 years of age, compared to 17.9% of non-Indigenous people in the same age group.
Indigenous Australians have a strong connection to their culture, language, and traditional lands. They consist of two distinct groups: the Aboriginal Australians of the mainland and many islands, including Tasmania, and the Torres Strait Islanders of the seas between Queensland and Papua New Guinea. At the time of European colonisation, there were over 250 Aboriginal languages spoken across the continent. Today, approximately 123 of these languages are still in use, with 12 spoken fluently by all generations within a community.
The rights of Indigenous Australians as the First Peoples of Australia are enshrined in binding international treaties and reaffirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Despite this, Indigenous Australians continue to face challenges and injustices. They are vastly over-represented in the criminal justice system, with 2,481 prisoners per 100,000 Indigenous people, 15 times more than the non-Indigenous population. Additionally, the median weekly household income of Indigenous peoples is 28% less than that of non-Indigenous peoples.
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One-third are under 15
As of 30 June 2021, there were an estimated 983,700 to 984,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Australia, representing 3.8% of the total Australian population. This was an increase of 23% (185,600 people) from the 30 June 2016 estimate of 798,400. The proportion of First Nations people has increased at the time of each Census of Population and Housing (the Census) since 2001 – from 2.4% in 2001, to 2.5% in 2006, 3.0% in 2011, 3.3% in 2016, and 3.8% in 2021.
One-third (33.1%) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians were aged under 15 years, compared with 17.9% of non-Indigenous people in the same age group. The median age of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population was 24.0 years, with a younger age structure than the non-Indigenous population. This reflects higher birth rates and lower life expectancy in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population compared to the non-Indigenous population. The median age of First Nations people has increased from 21 in 2011, to 23 in 2016, and 24 in 2021.
The Northern Territory had the highest proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people relative to its total population size (30.8%), while Victoria had the lowest (1.2%). New South Wales had the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population (339,700 people), followed by Queensland (273,100 people) and Western Australia (120,000 people). These three states comprised almost three-quarters of the total Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population (732,800 people or 74.5%).
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is diverse, with a rich cultural history and strong connections to language and traditional lands. At the time of European colonisation, there were at least 250 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages spoken across the continent, of which approximately 123 are still in use today. While the term "Indigenous Australians" has grown in popularity since the 1980s, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people dislike it as they feel it is too generic and removes their distinct clan and people identity.
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The median age is 24
As of 30 June 2021, Indigenous Australians, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, made up about 3.8% of the country's total population. This percentage translates to approximately 984,000 individuals, with one-third (33.1%) under the age of 15 and a median age of 24.
The median age of 24 among Indigenous Australians in 2021 reflects a notable increase from previous years. In 2011, the median age was 21, and it rose to 23 by 2016. This upward trend indicates a gradual shift in the age structure of the Indigenous population.
The median age of 24 within the Indigenous population is significantly lower than that of the non-Indigenous population. This disparity is influenced by higher birth rates and lower life expectancy among Indigenous Australians. The larger proportion of young people and smaller proportion of older individuals contribute to a younger age distribution.
When examining the median age by region, variations emerge within the Indigenous population. The Northern Territory stands out with the highest median age of 27 years among Indigenous Australians. In contrast, New South Wales and Queensland exhibit the lowest median age of 23.4 years within their Indigenous populations.
The median age of 24 among Indigenous Australians has important implications. It suggests that a significant portion of this population is in their youth or early adulthood. This demographic characteristic can influence various aspects, such as educational pursuits, career development, family planning, and engagement with cultural traditions.
Additionally, the median age figure provides context for understanding the experiences and challenges faced by Indigenous Australians. It intersects with issues such as health, employment, housing, and cultural preservation. Addressing the specific needs and aspirations of this younger demographic becomes crucial in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering Indigenous communities.
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Three-quarters live in three states
As of 30 June 2021, there were an estimated 983,700 to 984,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Australia, representing 3.8% of the total Australian population. This was an increase of 23% (185,600 people) from the 30 June 2016 estimate of 798,400. The proportion of First Nations people has increased at the time of each Census of Population and Housing since 2001, from 2.4% in 2001 to 3.8% in 2021.
Three-quarters (74.5%) of Indigenous Australians live in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia. New South Wales had the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population (339,700 people), followed by Queensland (273,100 people) and Western Australia (120,000 people). These three states comprised almost three-quarters of the total Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population (732,800 people).
The median age of Indigenous Australians is 24 years, with one-third (33.1%) under 15 years of age. This is in contrast to the non-Indigenous population, where 17.9% are under 15. The younger age structure of the Indigenous population reflects higher birth rates and lower life expectancy. People aged 65 and over comprise 5.4% of the Indigenous population, compared to 17.2% of the non-Indigenous population.
Indigenous Australians consist of two distinct groups: Aboriginal Australians of the mainland and many islands, including Tasmania, and the Torres Strait Islanders of the seas between Queensland and Papua New Guinea. 812,728 people self-identified as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin in the 2021 Australian Census, representing 3.2% of the total population. Of these, 91.4% identified as Aboriginal, 4.2% as Torres Strait Islander, and 4.4% identified with both groups.
The Northern Territory has the highest proportion of Indigenous people relative to its total population size (30.8%), while Victoria has the lowest (1.2%). The Indigenous population prior to European settlement is estimated to have been between 318,000 and over 3,000,000.
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First Nations people are undercounted in census data
As of 30 June 2021, the Australian Bureau of Statistics' (ABS) estimates indicate that 984,000 First Nations people were living in Australia, representing 3.8% of the total Australian population. This was an increase of 23% (185,600 people) from the 30 June 2016 estimate of 798,400. The proportion of First Nations people has increased at the time of each Census of Population and Housing since 2001, from 2.4% in 2001 to 3.8% in 2021.
However, it is important to note that First Nations people are undercounted in census data, and this number may be higher. There are several reasons why First Nations people may be undercounted in census data. One reason may be that many First Nations people live in remote areas, and before 1967, the census did not accurately count the large First Nations population living in non-urban areas. The census relied on estimates provided by state and territory authorities in charge of First Nations welfare. Additionally, the definition of who was considered a First Nations person has changed over time. Before 1901, each Australian colony used racially based methods to define who was and was not 'Aboriginal', and these methods have now been discredited. After Federation in 1901, the Australian census continued to distinguish between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and only individuals considered to be of more than 'half' Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ancestry were counted as First Nations peoples.
The 1971 Census of Population and Housing was the first time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were included in the population count as citizens. This was a significant moment in the long struggle for First Nations recognition and rights. The census question on Indigenous status has seen an increase in response rate over the years, with 89.1 percent of people who identified as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander in 2021.
The increase in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is not wholly explained by demographic factors. Other factors, such as changing identification in the census and throughout life, greater participation in the 2021 census, and a higher response rate to the question on Indigenous status, have also contributed to changes in counts of First Nations people.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 30 June 2021, Indigenous Australians make up 3.8% of the country's population.
There are approximately 984,000 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.
The median age of Indigenous Australians is 24 years.
One-third (33.1%) of Indigenous Australians are under 15 years old.
The Northern Territory has the highest proportion of Indigenous Australians relative to its total population size (30.8%).
