Australia’s Population Increases by 500,000 in One Year Despite Declining Birth Rate

Over the past year, Australia saw a population increase of over half a million people, with twice as many migrants entering the country compared to local births.

In the same period, 666,800 migrants arrived in Australia, while 221,200 individuals left the country. On the other hand, 289,100 births and 182,700 deaths were recorded.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) uses this data to calculate the total population growth, factoring in birth rates, migrant intake, death rates, and departures.

Ultimately, Australia experienced a net increase of 445,600 migrants and 106,400 births, resulting in a total population increase of 552,000, or 2.1 percent.

The birth rate in Australia is declining, showing a 0.7 percent decrease compared to the previous year.

States with Significant Population Growth

According to ABS’s head of demography Beidar Cho, Australia’s overall population now stands at 27.2 million people, with Western Australia experiencing the fastest population growth at 2.8 percent in the last year. This was followed by Victoria (2.4 percent) and Queensland (2.3 percent).

Tasmania, Northern Territory, South Australia, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory reported lower population growth percentages.

England is the leading source of overseas migrants to Australia, followed by India, China, New Zealand, and the Philippines. Most of these migrants settled in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.

Queensland had the highest net gain in interstate domestic migration, while New South Wales experienced the largest loss of local residents.

Migration Trends

Professor Alan Gamlen from Australian National University notes a decline in net overseas migration post-pandemic, aiming to bring down migration and foreign student numbers in the coming years.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also mentions potential adjustments to migrant intake policies if elected.