Regional population

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Statistics about the population and components of change (births, deaths, migration) for Australia's capital cities and regions

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Reference period
2021-22 financial year

Key statistics

  • 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%).

On 31 August 2023, additional datasets containing final rebased population estimates for 2017 to 2021, based on the 2021 Census, and revised estimates for 2022 were added to this issue. Revised estimates incorporate the final 2021 population base, and state/territory revisions to the components of population change for 2021-22. These estimates supersede all estimates from June 2016. Commentary in this product has not been updated with revised data. 

The 2021 issue of Regional population was also updated with final estimates for 2017 to 2021 on 31 August 2023.

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).

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%). 
Population by capital city
 ERP at 30 June 20222021-22 (no.)2021-22 (%)
Sydney5,297,08937,3250.7
Melbourne5,031,19555,0381.1
Brisbane2,628,08359,1562.3
Adelaide1,418,45516,0621.1
Perth2,224,47532,2461.5
Hobart252,6931,6460.7
Darwin149,5827810.5
Canberra456,6923,1340.7
Total capital cities17,458,264205,3881.2

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
Areas with the largest growth
SA2SA4ERP at 30 June 20222021-22 (no.)
Rockbank - Mount CottrellMelbourne - West22,8375,001
Mickleham - YurokeMelbourne - North West28,4564,725
Schofields - EastSydney - Blacktown29,6244,310
Marsden Park - Shanes ParkSydney - Blacktown19,8464,210
Box Hill - NelsonSydney - Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury14,5084,178
Areas with the highest growth rates
SA2(a)SA4ERP at 30 June 20222021-22 (%)
Box Hill - NelsonSydney - Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury14,50840.4
Tarneit - NorthMelbourne - West9,39628.2
Rockbank - Mount CottrellMelbourne - West22,83728.0
Denman ProspectAustralian Capital Territory3,45627.1
Marsden Park - Shanes ParkSydney - Blacktown19,84626.9
  1. 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

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.

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.

Total area (km²) in population density classes by capital city
 No populationVery lowLowMediumHighVery High
 (0)*(Less than 500)*(500-2000)*(2000-5000)*(5000-8000)*(More than 8000)*
Sydney7,0223,46681488513146
Melbourne2,9564,8971,0141,0824312
Brisbane6,9847,598821441143
Adelaide5472,00038931400
Perth2,8272,43970544400
Hobart5271,0351092300
Darwin2,430673542000
Canberra1,8622282046420

* 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

    Population change by SA2 and LGA, 2021-22

    Population grid 2022

    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

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    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

    31/08/2023 - Six additional data cubes containing final population estimates for 2017 to 2021, and revised estimates for 2022 have been added. All Data Explorer datasets have also been updated with final estimates for 2017 to 2021 and revised estimates for 2022. These estimates supersede all previously released estimates. 

    02/06/2023 - File for Australian population grid 2022 in GeoTIFF format replaced.

    Previous catalogue number

    This release previously used catalogue number 3218.0.

    Methodology

    Regional population methodology, 2021-22 financial year

    Media releases