Lyla Lindsey
Australia is the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth. With a population of 27,923,100 as of 11 July 2025, it is the 54th most populous country in the world. However, its population density is incredibly low. As of June 2024, Australia's population density was 3.5 people per square kilometre. This makes Australia the third least densely populated country in the world, after Namibia and Mongolia. Australia's low population density is due to its desert geography and urbanisation, with 86.51% of its population living in a handful of urban areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population Density | 3.6 persons per square kilometre (as of July 2025) |
| Population Density Ranking | 3rd least densely populated country in the world |
| Population Density Compared to Other Countries | Lower than the United States (36 people per square kilometre) and India (464 people per square kilometre) |
| Population Density in Major Cities | Comparable to the rest of the Western world, e.g., Sydney's inner-city areas of Potts Point and Pyrmont have 16,700 and 16,500 people per square kilometre, respectively |
| Total Land Area | 7,682,300 Km² (2,966,151 sq. miles) |
| Urban Population | 86.51% (23,335,357 people in 2025) |
| Median Age | 38.3 years |
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What You'll Learn
Population density by city
Australia's population density was 3.5 people per square kilometre as of June 2024. The country's overall population density is 4 per Km² (9 people per square mile). The total land area is 7,682,300 Km² (2,966,151 sq. miles). 86.51% of the population is urban (23,335,357 people in 2025). The median age in Australia is 38.3 years, with the median age for capital cities being 37.0 years.
Sydney had the largest combined area in the high and very high-density classes (194 km²), with a population density of 5,200 people per square kilometre in the city centre. Melbourne followed with 69 km², and Brisbane with 24 km². Perth, Canberra (both 3 km²) and Adelaide (1 km²) were the other capital cities to have areas in the high or very high-density classes.
Perth had the highest growth rate (3.1%) in 2023-24, followed by Melbourne and Brisbane (both 2.7%). Greater Adelaide increased by 22,100 people (1.5%), while Greater Hobart increased by 950 people (0.4%).
The areas with the highest density in June 2024 were Kingston and Braddon in the inner north, both with 5,200 people per square kilometre. Other densely populated areas include inner Brisbane suburbs like Kangaroo Point and West End (both 8,900).
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Population density over time
Australia's population density is low compared to other countries. As of June 2022, the population density was reported as 3.4/km² (8.8/sq mi), making it the third least densely populated country globally, after Namibia and Mongolia. The population density in Australia is generally attributed to the semi-arid and desert geography of its interior, also known as the outback, which covers a large area and presents challenging living conditions.
Historically, Australia's population has grown significantly since British colonisation in 1788, with numerous waves of immigration contributing to this growth. The European component's share of the population rose sharply in the late 18th and 19th centuries, but this percentage has been declining since the 1960s and 1970s. The percentage of Australians with European backgrounds is currently at 76% as of 2016. The overall population density, however, does not reflect the density of the livable areas, particularly along the coastlines and in the biggest cities.
In 1901, at the time of Australian Federation, the rate of natural increase was 14.9 persons per 1,000 population. This rate increased to a peak of 17.4 per thousand population in 1912-1914. During the Great Depression, the rate declined to 7.1 per thousand population in 1934-1935. After World War II, the rate increased sharply due to the post-war baby boom and immigration, resulting in a plateau of over 13.0 persons per 1,000 population from 1946 to 1962. Since 1962, there has been a fall in the rate of natural increase due to decreasing fertility rates. In 1971, the rate was 12.7 persons per 1,000 population, and it further declined to 8.5 by 1981.
In recent years, Australia's population growth has been driven primarily by net overseas migration. The total fertility rate has been below the replacement level of 2.1 since the mid-1970s, and in 2023-2024, it was recorded at 1.49 babies per woman. The number of deaths has grown faster than births in recent years, indicating an ageing population. Despite this, Australia's population is projected to continue growing, with estimates ranging from 31.3 million by 2034-2035 to 34.3-45.9 million by 2071.
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Population density vs migration rates
Australia's population density is 4 people per square kilometre (9 people per square mile). The country's total land area is 7,682,300 square kilometres (2,966,151 square miles), and 86.51% of the population is urban. The median age in Australia is 38.3 years, and the median age for capital cities is 37 years, lower than in the rest of the country.
Population density is influenced by various factors, including migration rates, birth rates, and death rates. In recent years, Australia has experienced fluctuations in its migration patterns, with both international and internal movements impacting population distribution.
International migration has been a significant contributor to Australia's population growth. Following the easing of COVID-19 border restrictions in 2021, net overseas migration reached a record high of 536,000 people in 2022-23. This number moderated to 435,000 in 2023-24, still above pre-pandemic levels. Australia's high migration rates compared to other countries have resulted in more volatile growth rates.
Internal migration within Australia has also influenced population distribution. While some areas, particularly the outskirts of capital cities, have experienced population growth, others have seen a net loss due to internal migration. For example, capital cities recorded a net loss of 11,800 people from internal migration in a single quarter, the largest on record. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary restrictions on movements within Australia reduced net interstate migration.
The interaction between migration rates and population density is complex. Migration can lead to the concentration of people in specific areas, increasing population density in certain regions, while other areas may experience population decline. This dynamic is influenced by various factors, including economic opportunities, urban infrastructure, and regional attractions.
In conclusion, Australia's population density is relatively low compared to other countries, and migration rates play a crucial role in shaping the country's population distribution. Both international and internal migration patterns impact the number of people in different regions, influencing the overall population density and demographic characteristics of Australia.
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Population density and urbanisation
Australia's population density is around 3.4 to 4 people per square kilometre, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. This is due to several factors, including the country's large land area, semi-arid and desert geography, and urbanisation.
With a total land area of 7,682,300 square kilometres, Australia is the sixth-largest nation in the world in terms of physical size. However, its population is concentrated in a handful of urban areas, particularly on the eastern, southeastern, and southern seaboards. This uneven distribution of the population contributes to the country's low overall population density.
The urban population in Australia is significant, with 86.51% to 89% of the population living in urban areas. This makes Australia one of the most urbanised countries in the world. The capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, and Adelaide have the highest population densities in the country. For example, Potts Point and Pyrmont in Sydney's inner city have population densities of 16,700 and 16,500 people per square kilometre, respectively. However, these numbers are still relatively low compared to other global cities like New York City.
The high urbanisation rate in Australia has several implications. Firstly, it leads to the development of more dwellings, such as apartment buildings and houses, which can reduce green spaces. Secondly, urbanisation affects the concentration of jobs, with higher population density areas offering more job opportunities. Additionally, governments and councils need to consider population density when planning cities, including transportation, infrastructure, and amenities.
While Australia's overall population density is low, the density in its livable areas, particularly along the coastlines, is higher. This contrast between the densely populated urban centres and the sparsely populated interior regions, known as the Outback, contributes to the unique character of the country.
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Population density and sustainability
Australia has a low population density, with around 3 to 4 people per square kilometre. This is due to its large land area, spanning over 7.6 million square kilometres, and its relatively small population of about 26 to 28 million people. The majority of the population is concentrated in urban areas along the coast, particularly on the Eastern, Southeastern, and Southern seaboards, with 75% of the population residing on just 2.6% of the land mass. The highest population densities are found in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with Melbourne having the highest population density of 521 people per square kilometre.
Population density is an important metric that provides insights into social, economic, and environmental issues. From a social perspective, it affects the availability and accessibility of social services such as healthcare, education, and transportation. Higher population densities require more infrastructure and services to meet the needs of the population. For example, as more people move into cities, more dwellings are needed, leading to the trading of green spaces for apartment buildings and houses. This results in the loss of natural landscapes and green spaces.
To create more sustainable cities, initiatives should focus on promoting balanced regional development, improving infrastructure and services in rural areas, and encouraging sustainable urban planning. Investments in public transportation, affordable housing, and renewable energy can help alleviate the challenges associated with high population densities. Additionally, policies that promote sustainable resource management, conservation of natural areas, and pollution reduction can help mitigate the environmental impacts of high population density.
While living in densely populated areas provides instant access to a community of people and more job opportunities, there are also drawbacks. One of the most significant disadvantages is increased pollution of air, water, and land. High population density can also lead to less autonomy, as individuals tend to follow a more standardized routine and have less say in their day-to-day lives.
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Frequently asked questions
The population density of Australia is between 3.3 and 4 people per square kilometre.
Australia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. In comparison, India has a population density of 464 people per square kilometre, and the United States has 36 people per square kilometre.
Most of Australia's interior is desert, which makes living conditions difficult. Additionally, 86.51% to 89% of its population lives in urban areas, particularly along the coastlines.
Potts Point and Pyrmont in Sydney's inner city have the second-highest population density in Australia, with 16,700 and 16,500 people per square kilometre, respectively.
Population density is important for governments and councils to plan cities effectively, including transportation, policing, and infrastructure development. It also impacts the availability of jobs and housing in an area.
