Damon Mcknight
Australia's population is highly urbanised, with 86.51% of its population living in urban areas. The country's population is concentrated mainly in major cities, particularly on the Eastern, South Eastern and Southern seaboards, with Sydney and Melbourne being the most populous. These cities are located on the coast, which is where most Australians live. This is due to the accessibility of coastal cities, their more pleasant climate, and the availability of jobs, services and beaches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Population | 60% of Australia's population is roughly 15 million people |
| Location | Southeast corner of the country |
| Specific Regions | New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland |
| Cities | Includes the cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane |
| Population Density | High, with the majority of people living in urban areas |
| Economic Activity | These states contribute significantly to Australia's economy and are home to major industries and businesses |
| Cultural Diversity | The regions are known for their multiculturalism and attract immigrants from all over the world |
| Natural Features | The areas boast a diverse range of landscapes, from coastal areas to mountain ranges |
| Climate | Generally temperate with distinct seasons, although Queensland experiences a more tropical climate |
| Transportation | Well-connected by road, rail, and air networks |
| Tourism | Popular tourist destinations, offering a range of attractions, including cultural, historical, and natural sights |
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What You'll Learn
Population density and urbanisation
Australia's population is highly urbanised, with around 86.51% of its population living in urban areas. The country's population density is estimated at 3.4 to 4 people per square kilometre, making it one of the least densely populated countries in the world. The coastal cities are the most densely populated areas, with non-indigenous Australians concentrated in these regions.
The major cities of Australia are home to about 73% of the total population. The cities of Sydney and Melbourne each have a population of over five million. The capitals grew by 427,800 people (2.4%) between 2023 and 2024, with overseas migration being the primary driver of this growth. The population in inner regional and outer regional Australia makes up around 25% of the total, while the remaining 1.9% live in remote and very remote areas.
The population of Australia has been growing, with an annual growth rate of about 1.4% over the past three decades. As of 2024, the population was around 27 million, and it is expected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071. The main driver of this growth has been net overseas migration, which has increased from 47,000 people in 1993-94 to 435,000 in 2023-24.
The population of Australia is ageing, with a median age of 38.3 years as of 2024, up from 33.4 years in 1994. The percentage of the population aged 65 and over has increased from 12% in 1994 to 17% in 2024. The fertility rate has declined over time, dropping to 1.49 births per woman in 2023-24.
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Migration and population growth
Australia's population has grown from 3.8 million in 1901 to around 25 million in 2021, with an estimated population of 27.2 million in 2024. The population growth rate has been one of the highest in the OECD, with an annual growth rate of 1.4% over the past three decades. This growth is projected to slow, with a predicted annual growth rate of between 0.2% and 0.9% over the next 50 years.
Migration has been a significant driver of Australia's population growth. In 2018, net overseas migration accounted for 61.4% of the country's population growth. In 2022, net overseas migration was 303,700, while the annual increase through natural births was 114,800. In 2023-24, net overseas migration was 435,000, compared to a natural increase of 106,000. Over the past 30 years, net overseas migration has contributed to 57% of Australia's population growth, while natural increase has contributed to 43%.
The impact of migration on population growth varies across Australian states and territories. Queensland and Western Australia have positive interstate migration, while all other states and territories have negative net migration. Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory have seen overseas migration as the major contributor to population change. Queensland and the Northern Territory have had net interstate migration as the main driver of population growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted migration patterns, with Australia experiencing its first net outflow of migrants since World War II in 2020-21. In 2021, Australia's overseas-born population decreased due to travel restrictions, but it has since rebounded, with overseas migration continuing to contribute significantly to the country's population growth.
In summary, migration, particularly net overseas migration, has been a key driver of Australia's population growth. While natural increase contributed more to population growth in the past, migration now plays a more significant role, influencing the country's economic projections and infrastructure development.
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Population distribution by region
Australia's population is highly urbanised and heavily concentrated on the eastern seaboard. The majority of Australians reside in the major cities, with around 73% of the population living in urban areas. Sydney and Melbourne are the most populous cities, each with more than five million people. These cities, along with other coastal cities like Darwin, Perth, and Brisbane, are accessible and offer better services, jobs, and lifestyle amenities, making them attractive destinations for people, including those migrating from elsewhere.
In contrast, inland areas are relatively isolated and face challenges such as transport limitations, inadequate access to education and healthcare facilities, and water shortages. These factors contribute to the lower population density in these regions.
The Indigenous Australian population is more spread out across the country, with some living in more isolated inland places and others in cities. The non-indigenous population, on the other hand, is concentrated in the coastal cities.
The population distribution in Australia also varies between states and territories. For instance, the Australian Capital Territory, which includes Canberra, has a lower population compared to states like New South Wales and Victoria, which are home to major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, respectively.
Additionally, the Northern Territory has a smaller population and a lower population density, contributing to a more dispersed distribution of its residents. Overall, the population distribution in Australia is skewed towards the eastern, southeastern, and southern coastal regions, reflecting the country's urbanisation and the appeal of its coastal cities.
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Indigenous vs non-indigenous populations
Australia's population was approximately 27.2 million as of June 30, 2024, with a median age of 38.3 years. The population is heavily urban, with 86.51% of people living in cities. The capital cities saw a net increase of 427,800 people (2.4%) in 2023-24, with overseas migration being the primary driver of this growth.
In terms of Indigenous versus non-Indigenous populations, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population represented 3.8% of the total Australian population as of June 30, 2021, or approximately 984,000 people. This population has a younger age structure than the non-Indigenous population, with larger proportions of young people and smaller proportions of older people. One-third (33.1%) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were under 15 years of age, compared to 17.9% of non-Indigenous people. The median age for the Indigenous population was 24 years, while for the non-Indigenous population, it was 38.5 years as of 2022.
The Indigenous population also has a higher birth rate and a lower life expectancy than the non-Indigenous population. The total fertility rate for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women was 2.17 births per woman in 2023, compared to 1.50 births per woman for all Australian women. Life expectancy for Indigenous males was 76.4 years in the Northern Territory and 79.9 years in Queensland, compared to 81.1 years for non-Indigenous males across Australia in 2021-23. For Indigenous females, life expectancy was 80.4 years in the Northern Territory and 81.5 years in Queensland, compared to 85.1 years for non-Indigenous females across Australia in the same period.
In terms of geography, 74.5% of the Indigenous population lived in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia combined, with over a third (33%) living in Inner regional areas. In contrast, 75% of the non-Indigenous population lived in major cities. The Indigenous population is 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.
In the 2016 Census, religious affiliations were broadly similar between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, with 54% and 55% reporting a Christian affiliation, respectively. However, a higher proportion of Indigenous people reported traditional beliefs (2%) compared to non-Indigenous people ( <1%). Additionally, the proportion of Indigenous people reporting no religion has been gradually increasing, reaching 36% in 2016.
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Population trends and projections
Australia's population has grown significantly over the last century. In 1901, the population was 3.8 million, and by 2021, it had increased to around 25 million. As of 31 December 2024, Australia's population was estimated to be 27.4 million. The population is projected to continue growing, with estimates ranging from 34.3 million to 45.9 million by 2071.
Several factors have influenced Australia's population trends. Firstly, the country has experienced a significant increase in urbanisation. In 1911, 58% of the population lived in urban areas, and by 2021, this had risen to 90%. This trend is reflected in the growth of major cities, which currently account for 73% of the total population. The number of households is also projected to increase, with estimates ranging from 13.3 to 13.9 million by 2046.
Net overseas migration has been a significant driver of population growth in Australia. In the early 1990s, the net inflow of migrants was around 47,000 people, and this has increased to around 435,000 people in recent years. The majority of Australians now reside in major cities, with 31% of the population born overseas. The countries with the largest populations in Australia as of 2024 are England, India, China, and New Zealand.
However, there are also population growth challenges. Fertility rates have been declining, with the total fertility rate in 2023-24 recorded at 1.49 births per woman, a decrease from 1.85 in 1993-94. This is reflected in the number of registered births, which decreased by 4.6% from 2022 to 2023. Additionally, the ageing population is a factor, 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% in 1994 to 17% in 2024.
Despite these challenges, Australia's population is expected to continue growing, albeit at a slower rate. The current ten-year average annual growth rate is 1.4%, but it is projected to decline to between 0.2% and 0.9%. The median age is also projected to increase, reflecting the global trend towards an ageing population.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia's population is highly urbanised and heavily concentrated on the eastern seaboard. 86.51% of the population is urban, with 73% of the population living in major cities, mainly on the Eastern, South Eastern and Southern seaboards. The coastal cities of Australia are the most densely populated areas of the country. The most populous cities are Sydney and Melbourne, both with a population of more than five million.
The population of Australia as of 21 July 2025 is estimated to be 27,940,400.
As of June 2022, the population density of Australia was reported as 3.4/km2 (8.8/sq mi). This makes Australia the third least densely populated country in the world.
The median age of the population of Australia is 38.3 years.
25% of people live in Inner regional and Outer regional Australia, with 1.9% living in Remote and very remote areas.
