Any reference to population refers to Estimated Resident Population (ERP).
Any reference to capital city refers to Greater Capital City Statistical Area (GCCSA), and any reference to area refers to Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2).
Regional population
Latest release
Statistics about the population and components of change (births, deaths, migration) for Australia's capital cities and regions
Reference period
2021-22 financial year
Released
20/04/2023
Key statistics
- After losing population during the COVID-19 pandemic, the capitals grew by 205,400 people (1.2%) in 2021-22.
- Capital city growth comprised overseas migration (151,400), natural increase (101,200) and internal migration (-47,200).
- Brisbane had the largest increase (59,200) and the highest growth rate (2.3%).
- Regional Australia grew by 102,700 (1.2%).
Capital cities
Population change
- Brisbane had the largest growth (up by 59,200 people), followed by Melbourne (55,000) and Sydney (37,300).
- Brisbane also had the highest growth rate (2.3%), followed by Perth (1.5%) and Adelaide (1.1%).
| ERP at 30 June 2022 | 2021-22 (no.) | 2021-22 (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 5,297,089 | 37,325 | 0.7 |
| Melbourne | 5,031,195 | 55,038 | 1.1 |
| Brisbane | 2,628,083 | 59,156 | 2.3 |
| Adelaide | 1,418,455 | 16,062 | 1.1 |
| Perth | 2,224,475 | 32,246 | 1.5 |
| Hobart | 252,693 | 1,646 | 0.7 |
| Darwin | 149,582 | 781 | 0.5 |
| Canberra | 456,692 | 3,134 | 0.7 |
| Total capital cities | 17,458,264 | 205,388 | 1.2 |
Components of population change
Population change at the regional level has three main components: natural increase, internal migration and overseas migration.
- Natural increase was highest in Sydney followed by Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
- Brisbane and Perth were the only capitals to have net internal migration gains. Net internal migration loss was largest in Sydney and Melbourne.
- All capital cities experienced net overseas migration gain, which was largest in Sydney followed by Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
Regions
The areas with the largest growth were:
- Rockbank - Mount Cottrell (up by 5,000 people) in Melbourne's outer west
- Mickleham - Yuroke (4,700) in Melbourne's outer north
- Schofields - East (4,300) in Sydney's outer north-west
The areas with the highest growth rates were:
- Box Hill - Nelson (40%) in Sydney's outer north-west
- Tarneit - North (28%) in Melbourne's outer west
- Rockbank - Mount Cottrell (28%)
Outside of the capital cities:
- Caloundra West - Baringa (up by 1,800 people) on Queensland's Sunshine Coast had the largest growth
- Charlemont (15%) in Geelong had the highest growth rate
| SA2 | SA4 | ERP at 30 June 2022 | 2021-22 (no.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockbank - Mount Cottrell | Melbourne - West | 22,837 | 5,001 |
| Mickleham - Yuroke | Melbourne - North West | 28,456 | 4,725 |
| Schofields - East | Sydney - Blacktown | 29,624 | 4,310 |
| Marsden Park - Shanes Park | Sydney - Blacktown | 19,846 | 4,210 |
| Box Hill - Nelson | Sydney - Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury | 14,508 | 4,178 |
| SA2(a) | SA4 | ERP at 30 June 2022 | 2021-22 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box Hill - Nelson | Sydney - Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury | 14,508 | 40.4 |
| Tarneit - North | Melbourne - West | 9,396 | 28.2 |
| Rockbank - Mount Cottrell | Melbourne - West | 22,837 | 28.0 |
| Denman Prospect | Australian Capital Territory | 3,456 | 27.1 |
| Marsden Park - Shanes Park | Sydney - Blacktown | 19,846 | 26.9 |
- Excludes SA2s with less than 1,000 people at June 2021.
Centre of population
Australia's centre of population:
- was 40 kilometres east of Ivanhoe in western New South Wales, reflecting the concentration of population in south-east Australia
- moved 1.4 kilometres north in 2021-22, reflecting strong growth in Queensland
Image
Map showing Australia's Centre of Population, June 2021 and June 2022
Description
Map showing Australia's Centre of Population, June 2021 and June 2022
This image shows the location of Australia’s centre of population on a map of Australia. The area of the centre of population is zoomed in to an SA2 level, showing the locations of the centre of population as at 30 June 2021 and 30 June 2022. These locations are in Far West SA2, north of Hay SA2 in NSW.
Population density
Australia's population density at June 2022 was 3.4 people per square kilometre (sq km).
The most densely populated areas were:
- Melbourne CBD - North (33,500 people per sq km)
- Southbank - East (21,500) in inner Melbourne
- Sydney (South) - Haymarket (19,500)
Population grid
Population density can also be explored at a finer level by breaking Australia up into 1 km² grid cells.
Grid cells can be grouped into population density classes, ranging from no population to very high.
- Sydney had the largest combined area in the high and very high density classes (177 km²), followed by Melbourne (55 km²) and Brisbane (17 km²).
Canberra (2 km²) was the only other capital city to have areas in the high or very high density classes.
| No population | Very low | Low | Medium | High | Very High | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (0)* | (Less than 500)* | (500-2000)* | (2000-5000)* | (5000-8000)* | (More than 8000)* | |
| Sydney | 7,022 | 3,466 | 814 | 885 | 131 | 46 |
| Melbourne | 2,956 | 4,897 | 1,014 | 1,082 | 43 | 12 |
| Brisbane | 6,984 | 7,598 | 821 | 441 | 14 | 3 |
| Adelaide | 547 | 2,000 | 389 | 314 | 0 | 0 |
| Perth | 2,827 | 2,439 | 705 | 444 | 0 | 0 |
| Hobart | 527 | 1,035 | 109 | 23 | 0 | 0 |
| Darwin | 2,430 | 673 | 54 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Canberra | 1,862 | 228 | 204 | 64 | 2 | 0 |
* people per square kilometre
New South Wales
Population change
Greater Sydney increased by 37,300 people (0.7%), the rest of the state increased by 25,200 (0.9%).
The areas with the largest growth were in Sydney's outer north-west:
- Schofields - East (up by 4,300 people)
- Marsden Park - Shanes Park and Box Hill - Nelson, both up by 4,200 people
The areas with the highest growth rates were:
- Box Hill - Nelson (40%)
- Marsden Park - Shanes Park (27%)
- Edmondson Park (17%) in Sydney's south-west
Components of population change
While net overseas migration (54,900 people) and natural increase (34,200) were positive contributors to Greater Sydney's population increase, net internal migration was negative (-51,700).
- Schofields - East had the largest natural increase (510 people).
- Box Hill - Nelson had the largest net internal migration gain (3,900).
- Sydney (South) - Haymarket had the largest net overseas migration gain (990).
Centre of population
The centre for New South Wales:
- was near the Hawkesbury River at June 2022, in the suburb of Lower Portland
- moved 110 metres east over 2021-22, reflecting growth along the NSW coast
The centre for Greater Sydney:
- was in the Parramatta River at June 2022, next to the suburb of Rosehill in western Sydney
- moved 120 metres west over 2021-22, led by strong growth in the outer north-western suburbs
Population density
The areas with the highest density at June 2022 were:
- Sydney (South) - Haymarket (19,500 people per sq km)
- Chippendale (17,600), to the south of Sydney's city centre
- Wolli Creek (16,700) in Sydney's inner south-west
Victoria
Population change
Greater Melbourne increased by 55,000 people (1.1%), the rest of the state increased by 16,800 (1.1%).
The areas with the largest growth were:
- Rockbank - Mount Cottrell (up by 5,000 people) in Melbourne's outer west
- Mickleham - Yuroke (4,700) and Wollert (3,400), both in Melbourne's outer north
The areas with the highest growth rates were in Melbourne's outer west:
- Tarneit - North and Rockbank - Mount Cottrell (both 28%)
- Fraser Rise - Plumpton (27%)
Components of population change
While net overseas migration (54,200 people) and natural increase (27,000) were positive contributors to Greater Melbourne's population increase, net internal migration was negative (-26,200).
- Mickleham - Yuroke had the largest natural increase (680 people).
- Rockbank - Mount Cottrell had the largest net internal migration gain (4,500).
- Carlton, in inner Melbourne, had the largest net overseas migration gain (1,400).
Centre of population
The centre for Victoria:
- was in the suburb of Coburg North at June 2022, north of Melbourne’s central business district
- moved 90 metres south over 2021-22, reflecting higher growth in Greater Melbourne and Geelong
The centre for Greater Melbourne:
- was in the suburb of Malvern at June 2022, near the Monash Freeway
- moved 130 metres west over 2021-22, reflecting stronger growth in Melbourne's outer west
Population density
The areas with the highest density at June 2022 were all in inner Melbourne:
- Melbourne CBD - North (33,500 people per sq km)
- Southbank - East (21,500)
- Melbourne CBD - West (17,200)
Queensland
Population change
Greater Brisbane increased by 59,200 people (2.3%), the rest of the state increased by 49,800 (1.9%).
The areas with the largest growth were:
- Ripley (up by 2,700 people) and Springfield Lakes (1,900), both suburbs of Ipswich
- Boronia Heights - Park Ridge (2,300) in Logan
The areas with the highest growth rates were:
- Ripley (21%)
- Chambers Flat - Logan Reserve (19%) in Logan
- Pallara - Willawong (19%) in Brisbane's south
Components of population change
Net internal migration gain (28,100 people) was the largest contributor to Greater Brisbane's population increase, followed by natural increase (16,300) and net overseas migration (14,700).
- Redbank Plains, a suburb of Ipswich, had the largest natural increase (470 people).
- Ripley had the largest net internal migration gain (2,400).
- Brisbane City had the largest net overseas migration gain (390).
Centre of population
The centre for Queensland:
- was in the rural locality of Booubyjan at June 2022, south-west of Maryborough
- moved 1.3 kilometres south-east over 2021-22, reflecting strong population growth in South East Queensland
The centre for Greater Brisbane:
- was in the suburb of Highgate Hill at June 2022, to the south of Brisbane's central business district
- moved 80 metres south-west over 2021-22, indicating higher growth in Brisbane's outer south-west
Population density
The areas with the highest density at June 2022 were all inner Brisbane suburbs:
- Fortitude Valley and West End (both 8,100 people per sq km)
- Kangaroo Point (7,900)
South Australia
Population change
Greater Adelaide increased by 16,100 people (1.1%), the rest of the state increased by 2,300 (0.6%).
The areas with the largest growth were:
- Munno Para West - Angle Vale (up by 1,500 people) in Adelaide's outer north
- Mount Barker (1,100) in the Adelaide Hills
- Gawler - South (770) in Adelaide's outer north
The areas with the highest growth rates were:
- Munno Para West - Angle Vale (9.0%)
- Lewiston - Two Wells (6.8%) and Virginia - Waterloo Corner (6.7%), both in Adelaide's outer north
Components of population change
While net overseas migration (11,500 people) and natural increase (4,600) were positive contributors to Greater Adelaide's population increase, net internal migration was slightly negative (-60).
- Munno Para West - Angle Vale had the largest natural increase (310 people) and largest net internal migration gain (1,100).
- The city centre of Adelaide had the largest net overseas migration gain (600).
Centre of population
The centre for South Australia:
- was in the suburb of Lightsview at June 2022, in Adelaide's inner north-east
- moved 110 metres south over 2021-22, reflecting stronger growth in the state's south
The centre for Greater Adelaide:
- was on the banks of the River Torrens at June 2022, north of Adelaide's Botanic Park
- moved 40 metres north-east over 2021-22, reflecting stronger growth in Adelaide's north and east
Population density
The areas with the highest density at June 2022 were:
- Unley - Parkside (3,000 per sq km) in Adelaide's inner south
- Prospect (3,000), north of Adelaide's central business district
- Glenelg (2,900 people), a coastal suburb in Adelaide's south-west
Western Australia
Population change
Greater Perth increased by 32,200 people (1.5%), the rest of the state increased by 5,800 (1.0%).
The areas with the largest growth were:
- Alkimos - Eglinton (up by 1,400 people) in Perth's outer north-west
- Byford (1,300) in Perth's outer south-east
- Brabham - Henley Brook (1,200) in Perth's outer north-east
The areas with the highest growth rates were:
- Brabham - Henley Brook (10%)
- Alkimos - Eglinton (10%)
- Casuarina - Wandi (8.3%) in Perth's south
Components of population change
Natural increase (13,400 people) was the largest contributor to Greater Perth's population increase, followed by net overseas migration gain (9,700) and net internal migration gain (9,100).
- Piara Waters - Forrestdale, in Perth's south, had the largest natural increase (330 people).
- Alkimos - Eglinton had the largest net internal migration gain (1,100).
- Bentley - Wilson - St James, to the south of Perth's city centre, had the largest net overseas migration gain (290).
Centre of population
The centre for Western Australia:
- was in the Avon Valley National Park at June 2022, 30 kilometres west of the town of Toodyay
- moved 470 metres south-west over 2021-22, reflecting stronger growth in and around Greater Perth
The centre for Greater Perth:
- was in the suburb of Como at June 2022, near the banks of the Swan River
- moved 60 metres south over 2021-22, reflecting slightly stronger growth to the south of the city
Population density
The areas with the highest density at June 2022 were:
- Perth (North) - Highgate (4,100 people per sq km), to the north of Perth's city centre
- Scarborough (3,700) in Perth's north-west
- East Perth (3,700), an inner suburb of Perth
Tasmania
Population change
Greater Hobart increased by 1,600 people (0.7%), the rest of the state increased by 2,000 (0.6%).
The areas with the largest growth were:
- Rokeby (up by 420 people) on the eastern shore of the Derwent River
- Sorell - Richmond (260) in Hobart's north-east
- Huonville - Franklin (240) in Tasmania's south-east
The areas with the highest growth rates were:
- Rokeby (5.2%)
- Brighton - Pontville (3.4%) on Hobart's northern fringe
- Legana (2.7%) in Launceston's north
Components of population change
While net overseas migration (1,600 people) and natural increase (800) were positive contributors to Greater Hobart's population increase, net internal migration was negative (-800).
- Rokeby had the largest natural increase (90 people) and the largest net internal migration gain (310).
- Sandy Bay, to the south of Hobart's city centre, had the largest net overseas migration gain (240).
Centre of population
The centre for Tasmania:
- was in the rural locality of Steppes at June 2022, in the state's Central Highlands
- moved 140 metres south-east over 2021-22, reflecting stronger growth in and around Greater Hobart
The centre for Greater Hobart:
- was just south of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens at June 2022, in the suburb of Queens Domain
- moved 50 metres north-east over 2021-22, reflecting stronger growth in Hobart's north and east
Population density
The areas with the highest density at June 2022 all surrounded Hobart's central business district:
- West Moonah (2,500 people per sq km)
- Moonah (2,100)
- Sandy Bay (1,800)
Northern Territory
Population change
Greater Darwin increased by 780 people (0.5%), the rest of the territory increased by 720 (0.7%).
The areas with the largest growth were:
- Palmerston - South (up by 760 people)
- Lyons (230) on the northern fringe of Darwin
- Berrimah (150), to the east of Darwin City
The areas with the highest growth rates were:
- Palmerston - South (11%)
- Berrimah (8.0%)
- Lyons (3.7%)
Components of population change
While natural increase and net overseas migration (both 1,500 people) were positive contributors to Greater Darwin's population increase, net internal migration was negative (-2,300).
- Palmerston - South had the largest natural increase (160 people) and the largest net internal migration gain (560).
- Darwin City had the largest net overseas migration gain (220).
Centre of population
The centre for the Northern Territory:
- was in the rural locality of Manbulloo at June 2022, 40 kilometres south-west of Katherine
- moved 630 metres south over 2021-22, reflecting slightly stronger growth in the rest of the territory
The centre for Greater Darwin:
- was in Berrimah at June 2022, south of the Stuart Highway
- moved 100 metres south-east over 2021-22, towards the fast-growing Palmerston area
Population density
The areas with the highest density at June 2022 were:
- Nightcliff (2,800 people per sq km) in Darwin's northern suburbs
- Parap (2,700) and Stuart Park (2,600), both close to Darwin City
Australian Capital Territory
Population change
The number of people living in the Australian Capital Territory increased by 3,100 (0.7%).
The areas with the largest growth were:
- Denman Prospect (up by 740 people) in Canberra's outer west
- Throsby (540) in Canberra's outer north
- Strathnairn (330) in Canberra's outer north-west
The areas with the highest growth rates were:
- Denman Prospect (27%)
- Throsby (23%)
- Taylor (14%) in Canberra's outer north
Components of population change
While natural increase (3,300 people) and net overseas migration (3,200) were positive contributors to Canberra's population increase, net internal migration was negative (-3,300).
- Ngunnawal in Canberra's north had the largest natural increase (150 people).
- Denman Prospect had the largest net internal migration gain (670).
- Belconnen town centre in Canberra's north-west had the largest net overseas migration gain (140).
Centre of population
The centre for the Australian Capital Territory:
- was in Lake Burley Griffin at June 2022, just west of Acton
- moved 30 metres north over 2021-22, reflecting slightly stronger population growth in the northern suburbs
Population density
The areas with the highest density at June 2022 were:
- Kingston (4,900 people per sq km), on the south-eastern banks of Lake Burley Griffin
- Braddon (4,800) in the inner north
- inner-city Civic (3,500)
Interactive maps
How to use
Population change map
- Navigation: maps can be selected via the drop-down menu (mobile devices) or the tabs (larger screens).
- Search: the search icon opens the search function. It is set to look for locations such as addresses, suburbs and postcodes contained within an SA2 or LGA.
- Data: on each map, an SA2 or LGA region can be selected to view the underlying data. Data for all SA2s and LGAs can be found in the Data downloads section of this publication.
Population grid map
- Search: the search icon opens the search function. It is set to look for locations such as addresses, suburbs and postcodes in Australia.
- Data: individual grid squares can be selected to view the underlying data. Data for the whole population grid can be found in the Data downloads section of this publication
If the maps do not load successfully, please try refreshing the page.
Geographic areas
The population change map uses Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) and 2022 Local Government Area (LGA) boundaries according to the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) Edition 3.
The population grid map uses a 1km x 1km grid for all of Australia based on the National Nested Grid Standard.
Data downloads
Data cubes
Data files
Population estimates and components by SA2, 2021 to 2022
Population estimates and components by LGA, 2021 to 2022
Population estimates by SA2 and above, 2001 to 2022
Population estimates by LGA, Significant Urban Area, Remoteness Area and electoral division, 2001 to 2022
Population components by SA2 and above, 2021-22
Population components by LGA, 2021-22
GeoPackages
Data files
Population estimates by SA2, 2001 to 2022, in GeoPackage
Population estimates by LGA, 2001 to 2022, in GeoPackage
Population grid files
Data files
Australian population grid 2022 in ESRI Grid format
Australian population grid 2022 in GeoTIFF format
Australian population grid 2022 in JPG format
Data Explorer datasets
Caution: Data Explorer can be problematic when trying to view and manipulate large datasets, such as SA2-based or LGA geographies released in this product. Please use the Excel data cubes provided above for these datasets.
Data in Data Explorer is currently released after the 11:30am release on the ABS website. Please check the reference period when using Data Explorer.
Population estimates and components by SA2 and above, 2022
Population estimates and components by LGA, 2022
Population estimates by SA2 and above, 2001 to 2022
Population estimates by LGA, 2001 to 2022
Regional internal migration estimates by region of arrival and departure, SA4 and above, 2021-22
For information on Data Explorer and how it works, see the Data Explorer user guide.
Post-release changes
02/06/2023 - File for Australian population grid 2022 in GeoTIFF format replaced.
Previous catalogue number
This release previously used catalogue number 3218.0.