Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia has a low population density, with just 3.5 people per square kilometre as of June 2024. This is due to the country's large physical area and the fact that much of its interior is desert, making it uninhabitable. The population is concentrated in major cities, with 73% of people living in urban areas, and the remaining 25% and 1.9% in inner and outer regional areas, and remote areas, respectively. The cities of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth have seen significant population growth in recent years, with Melbourne having the largest increase of 142,600 people. However, when compared to other cities worldwide, such as New York City, Melbourne's inner city has a relatively low population density of 22,400 people per square kilometre.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population density | 3.5 people per square kilometre as of June 2024 |
| Population | 26,974,026 people as of mid-2025 |
| Population distribution | 73% in major cities, 25% in inner and outer regional areas, 1.9% in remote and very remote areas |
| Most populated cities | Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth |
| Highest growth rate | Perth (3.1%), followed by Melbourne and Brisbane (both 2.7%) |
| Highest population density | Melbourne's inner city (22,400 people per square kilometre) |
| Second-highest population density | Potts Point and Pyrmont in Sydney's inner city (16,700 and 16,500 people per square kilometre, respectively) |
| Population growth drivers | Net overseas migration, natural increase, internal migration |
| Median age | 38.3 years as of June 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
Population density in Australia is 3.5 people per square kilometre
Australia is the sixth-largest nation in the world in terms of physical area. However, its population density is remarkably low. As of June 2024, the population density in Australia was 3.5 people per square kilometre. This is in stark contrast to countries like India, which has a population density of 464 people per square kilometre, or even the United States, with 36 people per square kilometre.
This low population density in Australia can be attributed to the fact that most of the country's interior is desert, often referred to as the Outback, and presents challenging living conditions. The population is concentrated in the major cities, with 73% of Australians living in cities, 25% in inner and outer regional areas, and only 1.9% in remote and very remote regions.
The biggest cities in Australia, such as Sydney and Melbourne, have higher population densities. Melbourne's inner city boasts Australia's highest population density at 22,400 people per square kilometre. Similarly, Sydney's inner-city suburbs of Potts Point and Pyrmont have the second and third-highest population densities in the country, with 16,700 and 16,500 people per square kilometre, respectively. Even these figures are relatively low when compared to other global cities; for example, New York City has a population density of over 38,000 people per square kilometre.
Population density is an important consideration for governments and councils when planning and managing cities. It impacts the number of dwellings that are built, the availability of green spaces, and the concentration of jobs in an area. For individuals, population density can influence their quality of life and their decision-making process when choosing where to live. Some people prefer the hustle and bustle of a densely populated city, while others seek the tranquility of less populated regions.
In summary, Australia's population density of 3.5 people per square kilometre is quite low compared to other countries, due to its vast desert interior. However, within Australia, population density varies significantly, with major cities like Melbourne and Sydney having much higher densities than the national average.
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73% of the population lives in major cities
Australia has a low population density, with 3.5 people per square kilometre as of June 2024. This is due to the fact that most of the country's interior is desert, also known as the outback, which has very difficult living conditions. However, the population is concentrated in major cities, with 73% of Australians living in cities, and the remaining 25% and 1.9% living in inner and outer regional areas, and remote or very remote areas, respectively.
The largest cities in Australia, such as Sydney and Melbourne, have higher population densities. Melbourne's inner city has Australia's highest population density, with 22,400 people per square kilometre. Sydney's inner-city neighbourhoods of Potts Point and Pyrmont have the second and third-highest population densities in the country, with 16,700 and 16,500 people per square kilometre, respectively.
The population of Australia's capital cities grew by 427,800 people (2.4%) in 2023-24. Melbourne had the largest increase of 142,600 people, followed by Sydney (107,500), Brisbane (72,900), and Perth (72,700). Perth had the highest growth rate of 3.1%, followed by Melbourne and Brisbane, both at 2.7%.
The high population density in these cities can be attributed to several factors, including the concentration of jobs and urban sustainability initiatives. The demand for housing has led to the erection of more dwellings, with green spaces being traded for apartment buildings and houses. This has resulted in the loss of natural landscapes and the need to create more sustainable cities.
Migration has also played a significant role in the population growth of these cities. Net overseas migration contributed positively to the population increase in Greater Sydney and Canberra, while internal migration was negative for both cities. In 2022-23, net overseas migration reached a record level of 536,000, with most immigrants being skilled workers, family members, or refugees.
The majority of Australians reside in major cities, with the next most populous region being Inner Regional Australia, followed by Outer Regional Australia, and then Remote and Very Remote Australia.
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25% of people live in Inner and Outer regional Australia
Australia's population is heavily concentrated in major cities, with close to three-quarters (73%) of the population residing in these areas. The remaining population is distributed across Inner regional Australia, Outer regional Australia, and Remote and Very remote areas. Notably, 25% of Australians live in Inner and Outer regional areas, while 1.9% live in Remote and Very remote regions.
The population distribution in Australia varies, with a significant proportion of people living in urban centres. Major cities, including their suburbs, account for a large share of the population. These cities have experienced growth due to factors such as overseas migration, natural increase, and internal migration. For example, Melbourne and Sydney have witnessed substantial population increases in recent years.
Inner regional Australia is the next most populous region after the major cities. This area is characterised by its proximity to or connection with the major cities. It includes towns and localities that may be considered satellite urban centres or commuter towns for the larger cities. The population of Inner regional Australia is diverse, and it attracts people seeking a balance between urban and rural lifestyles.
Outer regional Australia, on the other hand, covers more remote areas that are less connected to the major cities. These regions may have smaller towns, rural communities, or natural landmarks that attract residents or visitors. The population density in Outer regional Australia is likely lower than in Inner regional areas, and the residents here may have a stronger connection to the land and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
The Remote and Very remote areas of Australia have the smallest population, with around 2.3% of the total population residing in these regions. These areas are often characterised by their distance from urban centres and limited access to services. The population in these regions is more likely to be Indigenous, and a significant proportion live in multi-family households. The unique characteristics and challenges of life in remote areas have shaped the demographics and culture of these regions.
While the majority of Australians live in major cities, the diversity of the country is reflected in the significant number of people choosing to live in regional and remote areas. The distribution of the population across these regions influences various aspects of Australian life, from access to services and infrastructure to cultural experiences and connections to the land.
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1.9% of the population lives in remote areas
Australia has a low population density, with 3.5 people per square kilometre as of June 2024. This is due to the fact that most of the country's interior is desert, also known as the outback, and is largely uninhabited. The population is heavily concentrated along the coastlines and in major cities, with 73% of the population living in cities, 25% in inner or outer regional areas, and 1.9% in remote and very remote areas.
The largest cities in Australia, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, have higher population densities. Melbourne's inner city has the highest population density in the country, with 22,400 people per square kilometre. Other areas with high population density include Potts Point and Pyrmont in Sydney's inner city, with 16,700 and 16,500 people per square kilometre, respectively. These numbers are still relatively low compared to other global cities, such as New York City, which has a population density of over 38,000 people per square kilometre.
The high population density in certain areas of Australia has led to the development of apartment buildings and the loss of green spaces. This has raised concerns about urban sustainability and the need to create greener city plans. Population density is also a factor considered by homebuyers and renters when deciding where to live, as some people prefer the hustle and bustle of a city, while others seek the wide-open spaces of the Australian bush.
The Australian Capital Territory, which includes Canberra, experienced a population increase of 7,500 people (1.6%) in 2023-24. This growth was driven by net overseas migration and natural increase, while net internal migration was negative. The areas with the highest density within the Australian Capital Territory as of June 2024 were Kingston and Braddon, with 5,200 people per square kilometre each.
In summary, while Australia has a low overall population density due to its vast desert interior, the population is concentrated in major cities along the coastlines. A small percentage of the population, approximately 1.9%, live in remote and very remote areas. The high population density in certain cities has led to urban development and sustainability concerns, and it remains a factor considered by individuals when choosing where to live.
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Melbourne has the highest population density
Australia's population density in June 2024 was 3.5 people per square kilometre, or 4 per km² in 2025, with 86.51% of the population living in urban areas. The country's population has quadrupled since the end of World War I, with immigration accounting for much of this increase. In 2023, net overseas migration reached a record level of 536,000.
Melbourne has experienced significant population growth, adding 125,424 people between 2016 and 2017, and surpassing 5 million residents in 2019. This growth has been driven by international immigration, with Melbourne attracting the largest proportion of overseas immigrants until 2020, as well as interstate migration from other Australian capitals due to more affordable housing. The city has also seen substantial international investment in its industries and property market, with major urban renewal projects in areas like Southbank, Port Melbourne, and the Docklands.
Melbourne's middle and outer-ring suburbs have undergone significant brownfield redevelopment, encouraged by planning policies that promote medium-density and high-density development in areas with good access to public transport. This has helped to curtail urban sprawl, a tendency for inhabitants to live in the suburbs and commute to the city for work, which has been a historical characteristic of Australian cities, including Melbourne.
Melbourne's diverse population has also led to a proliferation of international cuisine and cultural offerings, with areas like Lonsdale Street known for Greek cuisine, Lygon Street for Italian, and Sydney Road for Lebanese and Turkish food. The city's strong population growth has resulted in a high demand for housing, leading to increased house prices, rents, and housing availability.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has an incredibly low population density overall, with just 3.5 people per square kilometre as of June 2024. However, the population is concentrated in major cities, with 73% of people living in cities and 25% in inner and outer regional areas. The fewest concentration of people can be found in remote and very remote areas, where just 1.9% of the population live.
Melbourne has the highest population density in Australia, with 22,400 people per square kilometre in the inner city. Potts Point and Pyrmont in Sydney's inner city also have high population densities, with 16,700 and 16,500 people per square kilometre respectively.
In the 2023-24 financial year, the Australian Capital Territory saw the highest growth rate at 1.6%. Melbourne had the largest increase in population, with 142,600 more people, followed by Sydney (107,500), Brisbane (72,900) and Perth (72,700). Perth had the highest growth rate at 3.1%.
Most of Australia's population lives close to coastlines, with 86.51% of people living in urban areas. The top eight most populous cities are home to 70% of the population.
