Australia Experiences Highest Population Growth in History

Australia's population skyrocketed to a record-breaking 26.2 million people last December, propelled by unprecedented levels of overseas migration, as seen in the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. An astonishing 496,800 people surged into Australia, a growth of 1.9% -- the highest in the country's history.

Even more remarkable is the fact that the growth rate was much higher during the gold rush days and the post-World War II period, although it was off a smaller population base. Australia's net migration jumped to 387,000 for the 2022 calendar year, underscoring how much its population growth now depends on arrivals from overseas. 

The largest state, New South Wales, still experienced a net interstate migration loss but not at as fast a rate as during the pandemic. On the other hand, Queensland's population growth rate moderated, and is no longer the fastest growing state. Instead, Western Australia has returned to the title, with a growth of 2.27%, nearly 62,000 people, for the calendar year. Victoria's population growth also made a big turn around from the pandemic, rising 2.1% over 137,000 people boosted by a record 120,000 new arrivals from overseas.

In South Australia, net interstate migration has almost returned to preCOVID levels, accompanied by almost 24,000 new overseas migrants. Tasmania also experienced a high number of overseas migrants and, although it experienced a strong interstate migration influx during the pandemic, it has since returned to a small loss in this area. Australia's population growth was a result of unique conditions of post-pandemic demand and a tight job market driving migration at record levels. This growth is expected to continue, and while it can be volatile, the restoration of normal migration flows can be expected to contribute to the nation's population in the years to come.

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