Leslie Massey
Australia is an urbanised country with a population density of 3.5 people per square kilometre as of June 2024. The majority of its population resides in the top eight most populous cities. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth are the four most populated cities in Australia. Sydney is the most populated city, with over 4.6 million residents as of 2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most populated city in Australia | Sydney |
| Population of Sydney | 4,627,345 as of 2024 |
| Population density | 3.5 people per square kilometre as of June 2024 |
| Population growth | 107,500 (2.0%) in 2023-24 |
| Second most populated city in Australia | Melbourne |
| Population of Melbourne | 4,246,375 as of 2024 |
| Third most populated city in Australia | Brisbane |
| Population of Brisbane | 2,189,878 as of 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
Sydney is Australia's most populous city
Sydney's high population is supported by its well-developed infrastructure, including public transit and medical services. The city also boasts a thriving cultural scene, an extensive job market, and a breathtaking coastal landscape. Sydney's extensive public transport network includes buses, trains, and trams, which facilitate commuting and reduce the need for car ownership.
Sydney's appeal is further enhanced by its high salaries and varied employment market. The city's diverse job market is propelled by the financial, technological, educational, and creative sectors. Sydney's economy benefits from its status as a major economic centre for the mining and resource sectors.
However, Sydney's fame comes at a cost. The city has one of Australia's highest costs of living, with housing costs and rental rates much higher than the national average. Despite this, Sydney remains an appealing location for many, offering a unique combination of cultural diversity, economic opportunities, and a high quality of life.
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Melbourne is the second-largest
Melbourne has a comparatively high cost of living, especially regarding housing, but it is still marginally less expensive than Sydney, the most populous city in Australia. Melbourne's diverse economy is driven by the financial, technological, educational, and creative sectors. The city also has a robust job market and a high quality of life, making it attractive to both domestic and international residents.
Melbourne has experienced significant population growth in recent years. Between 2023 and 2024, it had the largest population increase among capital cities, growing by 142,600 people. This growth was driven by natural increase, internal migration, and overseas migration. Melbourne's population growth has contributed to the urbanisation of Australia, with over 70% of the country's population living in the eight most populous cities.
Melbourne is famous for its international sporting events, such as the Melbourne Cup and the Australian Open. It also boasts a thriving culinary arts scene and a vibrant music sector. The city's cultural offerings, combined with its economic opportunities and top-notch educational system, make it a desirable place to live, despite the higher cost of living.
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Brisbane is third
Australia is home to some of the most vibrant and densely populated cities in the Southern Hemisphere. As of 2025, Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, with over 4.6 million residents. It has the largest combined area in the high and very high-density classes (194 km²). Sydney boasts a thriving cultural scene, abundant job prospects, and breathtaking coastline landscapes.
Melbourne is a close second, with a population of approximately 4.2 million. Melbourne is recognised for its rich culture and arts scene, vibrant multicultural populace, and world-class culinary arts and music sectors. It is also known for its robust economy, driven by various sectors, including finance, technology, education, and creativity.
Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia, with around 2.1 million people. It has seen significant growth in recent years and is a popular relocation destination due to its pleasant climate, relaxed lifestyle, and beautiful natural surroundings. Brisbane is the only state capital city where the local government area (LGA) covers a significant portion of its urban area.
Perth, the fourth-largest city, has a population of about 1.9 million. It is known for its beaches, sunny weather, and large parks. With a more remote location, Perth has a distinct, carefree vibe and offers a high standard of living, attracting people from across Australia and beyond.
While Sydney and Melbourne experienced a population decline between 2020 and 2021, Brisbane and Perth were the only capital cities to have net internal migration gains during the same period.
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Perth is fourth
Australia is an urbanised country with a population density of 3.5 people per square kilometre. The majority of its population is concentrated in a few cities, with 70% of Australians living in the eight most populous cities.
Sydney is Australia's most populous city, with over 4.6 million residents as of 2024. It has a well-developed infrastructure and extensive public transport network, supporting its large population. Sydney's appeal lies in its breathtaking coastline, thriving cultural scene, and abundant job prospects. However, it has a high cost of living, with housing costs and rental rates above the national average.
Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia, with a population of over 4.2 million as of 2024. Melbourne is known for its vibrant culture, pleasant living conditions, and diverse populace. The city attracts people with its international sporting events, culinary arts, and music scene. Like Sydney, Melbourne also has a comparatively high cost of living, especially in housing.
Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia, with around 2.1 million people calling it home. It has seen significant growth in recent years and is a popular relocation destination due to its pleasant climate, relaxed lifestyle, and natural beauty.
Perth is the fourth-largest city in Australia, with approximately 1.9 million residents as of 2024. As the largest city in Western Australia, Perth is known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and expansive parks. It offers a high standard of living, attracting people from across Australia and beyond. The city has a distinct, carefree vibe due to its remote location, and it serves as a major economic hub for the mining and resource sectors. Perth has experienced growth in various industries, including tourism, education, and technology, creating diverse employment opportunities. Additionally, it has a lower cost of living than Sydney and Melbourne, making it attractive to families and young professionals.
Perth's population grew by 72,700 people in the 2023-24 financial year, with the highest growth rate among capital cities at 3.1%. This growth can be attributed to natural increase, internal migration, and overseas migration. The city's remote location and unique characteristics contribute to its position as the fourth-largest city in Australia.
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Canberra is eighth
Australia is a highly urbanised country, with 70% of its population living in the eight most populous cities. These eight cities are known as the Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSA) and include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide, Darwin, and Hobart.
Canberra, Australia's capital and seat of government, is the eighth-largest city in the country. It is an important political and administrative centre, housing the federal government's legislative, executive, and judicial arms. Canberra is an inland city with a population of over 400,000 people, including the adjacent town of Queanbeyan in New South Wales.
The city experienced a population increase of 7,500 people (1.6%) in the 2023-24 financial year, attributed to positive net overseas migration and natural increase, despite a negative net internal migration. Canberra has a relatively high population density, with 3 km² of its area classified as high or very high density.
Canberra's growth rate is comparable to that of larger cities like Melbourne and Brisbane, which also experienced population increases during the same period. However, unlike these larger cities, Canberra may offer a more balanced mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, providing a unique lifestyle for its residents.
Canberra's position as the eighth-largest city in Australia highlights its significance within the nation's urban landscape. Its population growth and density contribute to its role as a prominent city, influencing political, cultural, and economic life in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Sydney is Australia's most populous city, with 4,627,345 residents as of 2024.
Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia, with 4,246,375 people calling it home as of 2024.
Brisbane is the third most populous city in Australia, with 2,189,878 residents as of 2024.
Perth is the fourth-largest city in Australia, with 1,896,548 residents as of 2024. While Melbourne and Sydney saw a population decline in 2021, Perth had the highest growth rate in 2023-24, along with the highest net overseas migration gain.
