Based on current trends, Australia’s population is projected to reach 30 million people between 2029 and 2033, according to the latest figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Population projections are based on assumptions of future levels of fertility, life expectancy and migration, which are guided by recent population trends.
Anthony Grubb, Director of Demography at the ABS, said: “The projected time for the nation to grow by 5 million people on current indications will be similar, if not a little shorter, than the 14 years it took to grow from 20 million to 25 million.
“Looking further ahead, based on the medium of our three main projection assumption series, Australia could add a further 10 million to our current 25 million by the year 2043.
“However under our higher range of fertility, mortality and migration assumptions the population would reach 35 million 5 years earlier in 2038. Conversely, under lower assumptions the population would only reach 35 million a decade later in 2053.”
Under all assumptions, the population of New South Wales is projected to remain as the largest state with a population of between approximately 9 and 9.3 million. Victoria is projected to experience the largest and fastest increase in population; possibly reaching between 7 and 8 million by 2027.
Queensland is projected to continue growing over the projection period, increasing to 6 million people in 2027. Western Australia is projected to increase to 3 million by 2027, while South Australia is projected to have slower growth, increasing to 2 million.
The population of the Australian Capital Territory is projected to increase to between 479,000 and 510,000 people closing the gap on Tasmania’s population which is projected to reach between 545,000 and 573,000 people in 2027. The Northern Territory is projected to increase to between 270,000 and 284,000 people in 2027.
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Projected population, States and territories, at 30 June
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Series A (a)
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Series B (b)
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Series C (c)
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2027
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2066
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2027
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2066
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2027
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2066
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‘000
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‘000
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‘000
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‘000
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‘000
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‘000
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| New South Wales |
9 285
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14 796
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9 152
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13 088
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9 022
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11 754
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| Victoria |
7 908
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14 525
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7 694
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12 030
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7 497
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10 091
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| Queensland |
5 931
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10 469
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5 789
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8 718
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5 676
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7 507
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| South Australia |
1 866
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2 437
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1 853
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2 214
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1 838
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2 040
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| Western Australia |
2 935
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4 926
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2 941
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4 760
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2 928
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4 493
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| Tasmania |
573
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744
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559
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581
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545
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453
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| Northern Territory |
270
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386
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277
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439
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284
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490
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| Australian Capital Territory |
510
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939
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495
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775
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479
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612
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| Australia (d) |
29 284
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49 226
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28 766
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42 608
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28 274
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37 444
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| (a) Higher assumptions of fertility, life expectancy, overseas and interstate migration flows. | ||||||
| (b) Medium assumptions of fertility, life expectancy, overseas and interstate migration flows. | ||||||
| (c) Lower assumptions of fertility, overseas and interstate migration flows, and a medium assumption of life expectancy. | ||||||
| (d) Includes Other Territories. | |
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Selected population milestones, Australia, Series A, B and C
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| Population Milestone |
Series A (a)
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Series B (b)
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Series C (c)
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| 30 Million |
2028/29
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2030/31
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2032/33
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| 35 Million |
2038/39
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2043/44
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2053/54
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| 40 Million |
2048/49
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2058/59
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| 45 Million |
2058/59
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| (a) Higher assumptions of fertility, life expectancy and overseas migration flows. | |
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| (b) Medium assumptions of fertility, life expectancy and overseas migration flows. | |
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| (c) Lower assumptions of fertility and overseas migration flows, and a medium assumption of life expectancy. | |
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Further information is available in Population Projections, Australia, 2017 (base) to 2066 (cat. no. 3222.0) available for free download from the ABS website.