Lexi Webster
Australia's population has grown significantly over the past century, with a notable increase since the end of World War I. The population has quadrupled since 1918, with immigration playing a significant role in this growth. Estimates of the Aboriginal population before European settlement in 1788 vary from 300,000 to one million. By 1901, the population had reached 3.8 million, and it continued to grow steadily, reaching 17.8 million by 30 June 1994. Australia's population growth has been influenced by factors such as migration policy changes, longevity increases, and stable birth rates, defying trends observed in the late 1990s.
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What You'll Learn
Australia's population in 1901
The year 1901 was significant for Australia, marking the completion of the federation of Australia and the establishment of the Constitution of Australia on 1 January. This event united the colonies, which had previously functioned independently, focusing on their internal affairs and capitals. The Parliament of Australia was opened in the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne on 9 May 1901.
Democracy was largely established in Australia by 1901, although the upper houses retained an elitist character in terms of franchise and membership. The country experienced economic prosperity, with secondary industry experiencing remarkable growth and contributing significantly to the national product.
The population of Australia has grown substantially since 1901, increasing by more than six times to 25.7 million in 2021. This growth has been driven by various factors, including migration, increased life expectancy, and declining infant mortality rates.
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Immigration and population growth
Australia's population has grown substantially since 1901, when it was 3.8 million. By 2021, it had reached 25.7 million, and as of June 2024, it was 27.2 million. This growth has been driven by a combination of natural increase and net overseas migration, with the latter becoming the main contributor to population growth in recent years.
Historically, Australia has experienced high levels of immigration, with 32% of the population being born overseas in 1891. This proportion decreased to 10% in 1947 due to reduced migration during World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. However, post-war migration led to a rapid increase, and by 2024, 31.5% of Australia's population was born overseas, totalling 8.6 million people.
Net overseas migration has been a significant contributor to Australia's population growth. In the year ending June 2024, overseas migration contributed a net gain of around 446,000 people to Australia's population, with a record high of 536,000 people the previous year. This growth was driven by the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions and the return of temporary visa holders, including international students. The top countries of birth for migrant arrivals in 2023-24 were India, China, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Interstate migration has also influenced population distribution within Australia. Queensland has experienced the highest net gain from internal migration, while New South Wales has seen the highest net loss. The capital cities tend to attract a larger share of overseas migrants, contributing to their faster growth compared to regional areas.
Looking ahead, Australia's population growth is projected to be 1.6% in 2024-25, gradually declining to 1.2% by 2034-35. By this time, Australia's population is expected to reach 31.3 million and is projected to continue growing, reaching 41.2 million by 2064-65.
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Population distribution
Australia's population has grown substantially since 1901, when it was 3.8 million. By 1994, the population had reached 17.8 million, and by 2021, it had reached 25.7 million. As of 2025, Australia's population is estimated to be 27,940,400, making it the 54th most populous country in the world and the most populous country in Oceania. The population is projected to exceed 30 million by 2029 and reach 31.3 million by 2034-35. By 2064-65, Australia's population is projected to be 41.2 million.
This growth has been driven by several factors, including increased life expectancy, declining fertility rates, and net overseas migration. In 2024, 8.6 million people in Australia were born overseas, comprising 31.5% of the population. This is one of the highest proportions in the world among countries with a population of over 10 million. The main countries of birth for this population are England, India, China, and New Zealand. The capital cities have experienced the highest population growth, with Melbourne and Perth leading the way. This is partly due to these cities attracting a larger share of overseas migrants, who tend to be younger than the general population.
The population distribution in Australia is uneven, with most people living in urban areas, particularly along the Eastern, South Eastern, and Southern coastlines. In 2021, 90% of the population lived in urban areas, up from 58% in 1911. Australia's population density is low, with an average of 3.4 to 3.6 people per square kilometre, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries globally.
Interstate migration has also impacted the population distribution within Australia. Queensland has experienced a net gain from internal migration, while New South Wales has experienced a net loss. The Northern Territory recorded the highest net undercount in the census, while the Australian Capital Territory recorded a net overcount.
In terms of demographics, Australia has a median age of around 38-39 years, with females having a slightly higher median age than males. Females also have a higher life expectancy than males, with 85.1 years compared to 81.1 years for males as of 2023. Infant mortality has decreased significantly since 1901, and the total fertility rate is projected to fall further in the coming years.
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Fertility rates
Australia's population reached 1 million in 1901, and it has grown every year since (excluding 1914, the first year of WWI). In 1901, the fertility rate was 3.8 births per woman.
In the early 1800s, Australian women had an average of 6.5 children over their lifetime. This number gradually decreased to just below five in the early 1850s. The fertility rate increased to 5.7 children per woman during the Australian gold rushes in the 1850s, but then dropped off until 1935, when it was 2.2 children per woman. There was a small baby boom after the First World War, and the global 'Baby Boom' after the Second World War saw the fertility rate rise to 3.4 in the 1960s. However, by 1980, the fertility rate had dropped to two children per woman, where it has plateaued since.
The declining fertility rate in Australia is reflected in the increasing age and longevity of the population. Life expectancy at birth has increased by 26 years since the early 1900s, with infant mortality decreasing from 10.4% in 1901 to 0.3% in 2021. In 2021, males were 1.8 times and females 1.7 times more likely to reach their 65th birthday than in 1901. Additionally, males are 143 times and females 82 times more likely to reach their 100th birthday in 2021 than they were in 1901.
Net overseas migration has been the main driver of population growth in Australia in recent decades, with an increase from a net inflow of 47,000 people in 1993-94 to 435,000 people in 2023-24. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the first net outflow of migrants from Australia since World War II, with -85,000 people in 2020-21. The yearly rate of net overseas migration changed from 5.7 migrants per 1,000 usual residents in 1972 to 9.5 in 2019, with the highest rate since 1972 being 13.8 in 2009.
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Life expectancy
According to historical records, Australia's population reached the 1 million milestone in the early decades of the 19th century, with estimates ranging from the 1820s to the 1830s. During this period, the continent experienced significant growth and transformation, with its population more than doubling in size from approximately 500,000 in 1821 to over 1.1 million by 1835. This era was marked by substantial immigration, primarily from Britain, as people sought opportunities in the emerging colony.
At the time, life expectancy in Australia was considerably lower than it is today. The average life expectancy at birth for the period 1828-1830 was estimated to be around 34 years for males and 37 years for females. These estimates, however, were based on incomplete data and may not fully capture the life expectancy of the entire population. Nonetheless, they provide a glimpse into the challenges and hardships faced during those early colonial years.
Several factors contributed to the shorter life expectancy during this time period. Firstly, the lack of adequate medical knowledge and healthcare infrastructure played a significant role. Infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and smallpox, were prevalent and often deadly. The infant mortality rate was also relatively high, impacting the overall life expectancy. Sanitation and hygiene standards were typically poor, and access to clean water and nutritious food could be inconsistent.
Additionally, the harsh and physically demanding nature of life in the early colonial period took its toll on life expectancy. Many individuals worked in occupations that were physically grueling, such as agriculture, mining, or manual labor. The working conditions were often unsafe, and labor laws and protections were limited or nonexistent. These factors contributed to a higher risk of injury, illness, and premature death.
The living conditions for many Australians during this time were also a factor in the shorter life expectancies. Overcrowding in urban areas, particularly in the burgeoning cities, led to the spread of diseases and poor overall health. Housing conditions were often substandard, with inadequate ventilation and insufficient heating. These factors had a detrimental impact on the health and longevity of the population.
Indigenous Australians experienced significantly lower life expectancies during this period. The impacts of colonization, dispossession of land, and introduced diseases had a devastating effect on their communities. Forced displacement, violent conflicts, and the loss of traditional lands severely impacted their health and well-being. Unfortunately, specific life expectancy estimates for Indigenous Australians during this time are scarce due to limited data.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear when Australia's population reached 1 million, but it is estimated that between 300,000 and 2,400,000 Indigenous Australians were living in Australia at the time of British colonisation in 1788. By 1901, the population had increased to 3.8 million.
As of 21 July 2025, Australia's population is estimated to be 27,940,400. It is the 54th most populous country in the world and the most populous country in Oceania.
Australia's population growth has been driven by net overseas migration, which has increased from a net inflow of 47,000 people in 1993-94 to 435,000 people in 2023-24. Natural increase (births minus deaths) has also contributed, although fertility rates have been declining.
