3101.0 - Australian Demographic Statistics, Dec 2013 Quality Declaration 
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 19/06/2014   
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MEDIA RELEASE
19 June 2014
Embargoed: 11.30 am (Canberra time)
77/2014


NSW records fastest population growth rate in four years

The population of New South Wales has grown by over 110,000 people in the year ending 31 December 2013 - its fastest population growth in four years, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

"This is New South Wales' highest annual population increase since June 2009 and the highest growth rate since September 2009 when Australia experienced record growth from net overseas migration", said Phil Browning, acting Director of Demography at the ABS.

"Net overseas migration was the main contributor to New South Wales' population growth, adding 71,400 people over the year, which is the highest increase for the state since September 2009. However, this high growth was not shared across the country, with Australia's annual net overseas migration decreasing by 2 per cent over the same period.

"Although Western Australia continues to have the country's fastest population growth rate in 2013 (2.9 per cent), it has dropped significantly from its high of 3.7 per cent in 2012. This drop was largely due to a 20 per cent drop in net overseas migration over the same period.

"Victoria continued to experience record growth in net interstate migration, adding 7,500 people to its population in 2013, which is three times greater than in 2012 (2,300 people).

"Australia's total population increased by 396,200 people to reach 23.3 million by the end of 2013, with a growth rate of 1.7 per cent which it has maintained for almost two years," said Mr Browning.

Natural increase contributed 160,400 people to Australia's population in 2013, consisting of 308,100 births and 147,700 deaths. Net overseas migration contributed 235,800 to the population over the same period, accounting for 60 per cent of Australia's total growth.


Population at end Dec qtr 2013
Change over previous year
Change over previous year
PRELIMINARY DATA
'000
'000
%

New South Wales
7 465.5
110.3
1.5
Victoria
5 791.0
107.9
1.9
Queensland
4 690.9
79.7
1.7
South Australia
1 677.3
15.2
0.9
Western Australia
2 550.9
71.3
2.9
Tasmania
514.0
1.5
0.3
Northern Territory
242.6
4.0
1.7
Australian Capital Territory
384.1
6.1
1.6
Australia (a)
23 319.4
396.2
1.7

(a) Includes Other Territories comprising Jervis Bay Territory, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Video: Take a look at the latest Demography video – Click to watch (available from 12:30pm today). We appreciate your feedback on our videos and would love to hear from you: demography@abs.gov.au.

Further information is available in Australian Demographic Statistics, December Quarter 2013 (cat. no. 3101.0).

For population estimates at the regional level, please see Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2012-13 (cat. no. 3218.0) and Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia, 2012 (cat. no. 3235.0). Available for free download from www.abs.gov.au

Media Note:
  • When reporting ABS data you must attribute the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or the ABS) as the source.
  • Media requests and interviews - contact the ABS Communications Section on 1300 175 070.