Life Expectancy in Australia 2025
Australia continues to rank among the world’s longest-living nations, with the country maintaining its position as a global leader in population health and longevity. The most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals comprehensive insights into how long Australians can expect to live in 2025, reflecting both the resilience of the healthcare system and the ongoing impacts of recent global health challenges.
The nation’s life expectancy in Australia 2025 demonstrates remarkable stability despite the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted mortality patterns between 2020 and 2024. Australian males born during the 2022-2024 period can expect to live to 81.1 years, while females have a life expectancy of 85.1 years. These figures represent the latest verified statistics from official government sources, showing that Australia has successfully navigated through one of the most challenging periods in modern public health history. The 4.0-year gap between male and female longevity has narrowed considerably from the 5.9-year difference recorded three decades ago in 1994, when males lived to 75.0 years and females to 80.9 years. This convergence reflects changing lifestyle factors, improved healthcare access for men, and evolving social determinants of health that have benefited both genders, though women continue to outlive men by a substantial margin.
Interesting Stats & Facts About Life Expectancy in Australia 2025
| Interesting Life Expectancy Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Ranking Position | Australia holds the 10th highest life expectancy globally among OECD nations |
| Countries Ahead of Australia | Switzerland, Japan, Spain, Israel, Italy, Korea, Luxembourg, Sweden, and Norway |
| Highest Regional Life Expectancy | Australian Capital Territory leads with 82.0 years for males and 85.8 years for females |
| Lowest Regional Life Expectancy | Northern Territory records 77.0 years for males and 80.7 years for females |
| Life Expectancy at Age 65 | Males aged 65 can expect to live another 20.1 years; females another 22.7 years |
| Indigenous Life Expectancy Gap | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males face an 8.8-year gap; females an 8.1-year gap |
| Decade-Long Improvement | Over the past 10 years, male life expectancy increased by 0.8 years and female by 0.7 years |
| COVID-19 Impact Period | Deaths peaked in 2022 with over 10,000 COVID-19 deaths; decreased to 5,000 in 2023 and 4,000 in 2024 |
| Highest Sub-Regional Life Expectancy | Sydney’s North Sydney and Hornsby region: 85.8 years males, 88.1 years females |
| Historic Comparison | Life expectancy has increased from 51.1 years (males) and 54.8 years (females) in 1891-1900 |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Life expectancy 2022-2024, Released November 11, 2025
These compelling statistics reveal the dramatic improvements in Australian longevity over the past century, with life expectancy more than doubling since the late 1800s. The data shows that Australia has managed to maintain its position among the world’s healthiest nations, though it trails behind countries like Switzerland (with 84.3 years) and Japan (with 84.1 years). The 10th place global ranking reflects both the excellence of Australia’s healthcare system and the ongoing challenges in closing health gaps, particularly for Indigenous Australians and those living in remote areas. The most striking revelation is the persistent 4.0-year gender gap, which has been steadily narrowing from historical levels. Thirty years ago, this gap stood at 5.9 years, indicating that men are catching up to women in terms of longevity. This convergence is attributed to declining smoking rates among men, improved cardiovascular disease management, and greater male engagement with preventive healthcare services.
The regional disparities are equally noteworthy, with the Australian Capital Territory consistently recording the highest life expectancy figures while the Northern Territory lags significantly behind. This 5.0-year difference for males and 5.1-year difference for females between these territories underscores the impact of geographic location, socioeconomic factors, and healthcare accessibility on population health outcomes. Remarkably, despite these challenges, the Northern Territory showed the largest improvements between periods, with males gaining 0.6 years and females 0.3 years, suggesting that targeted health interventions are beginning to yield positive results in Australia’s most disadvantaged regions.
National Life Expectancy Statistics in Australia 2025
| Category | Males | Females | Gap/Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life Expectancy at Birth (2022-2024) | 81.1 years | 85.1 years | 4.0 years |
| Life Expectancy in 2021-2023 | 81.1 years | 85.1 years | 4.0 years |
| Change from Previous Period | No change | No change | Stabilized |
| Life Expectancy in 2020-2022 | 81.2 years | 85.3 years | 4.1 years |
| Life Expectancy in 1994 | 75.0 years | 80.9 years | 5.9 years |
| Decade Improvement (2013-2023) | +0.8 years | +0.7 years | Gender gap narrowing |
| Life Expectancy at Age 65 (2021-2023) | +20.1 years (total 85.1) | +22.7 years (total 87.7) | 2.6 years |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Life expectancy 2022-2024; Life expectancy 2021-2023
The national life expectancy in Australia 2025 statistics paint a picture of resilience and stability following the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data reveals that life expectancy has plateaued at 81.1 years for males and 85.1 years for females during the 2022-2024 period, showing no change from the previous 2021-2023 period. This stabilization represents a recovery of sorts, as Australia experienced its first decreases in life expectancy since the mid-1990s during the 2020-2022 and 2021-2023 periods. The pandemic’s impact was most severe in 2022, when Australia recorded high levels of excess mortality, with deaths increasing by almost 20,000 from 2021 and COVID-19 causing over 10,000 deaths. However, the subsequent years showed improvement, with approximately 5,000 deaths due to COVID-19 in 2023 and around 4,000 in 2024, demonstrating the effectiveness of vaccination programs and improved medical treatments.
The gender gap in life expectancy continues its long-term trend of narrowing, currently standing at 4.0 years. This represents a substantial reduction from the 5.9-year gap recorded three decades ago in 1994. Men have experienced faster improvements in longevity, gaining 0.8 years over the past decade compared to 0.7 years for women. This convergence reflects multiple factors including declining male smoking rates, improved cardiovascular disease management among men, and changing occupational patterns that have reduced male exposure to hazardous working conditions. The data also reveals an important insight often overlooked: life expectancy increases significantly for those who survive to older ages. Males aged 65 in 2021-2023 could expect to live another 20.1 years, reaching a total age of 85.1 years, while females aged 65 could expect another 22.7 years, reaching 87.7 years. This means that Australians who reach retirement age have already survived the riskier early decades of life and can expect to live substantially longer than the figures suggest at birth. These statistics underscore the importance of understanding life expectancy as a dynamic measure that changes based on a person’s current age, not just their birth year.
Life Expectancy by State and Territory in Australia 2025
| State/Territory | Male Life Expectancy | Female Life Expectancy | Combined Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | 82.0 years | 85.8 years | 83.9 years |
| Western Australia | 81.5 years | 85.7 years | 83.6 years |
| Victoria | 81.5 years | 85.4 years | 83.5 years |
| New South Wales | 81.2 years | 85.3 years | 83.3 years |
| South Australia | 80.9 years | 84.9 years | 82.9 years |
| Queensland | 80.5 years | 84.7 years | 82.6 years |
| Tasmania | 80.3 years | 83.7 years | 82.0 years |
| Northern Territory | 77.0 years | 80.7 years | 78.9 years |
| Australia (Overall) | 81.1 years | 85.1 years | 83.1 years |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Life expectancy 2022-2024, State and Territory data
The life expectancy by state and territory in Australia 2025 reveals significant geographic disparities that reflect differences in socioeconomic status, healthcare access, Indigenous population proportions, and lifestyle factors across the nation. The Australian Capital Territory stands out with the highest life expectancy for both genders, with males reaching 82.0 years and females 85.8 years. This exceptional performance is attributed to the territory’s high education levels, concentration of public sector employment offering stable income and comprehensive health benefits, low unemployment rates, and superior access to quality healthcare facilities. The ACT’s relatively affluent population has better health literacy and greater engagement with preventive health services, contributing to these outstanding longevity outcomes.
In stark contrast, the Northern Territory records the lowest life expectancy figures at 77.0 years for males and 80.7 years for females, representing a dramatic 5.0-year gap for males and 5.1-year gap for females compared to the ACT. This substantial disparity reflects the NT’s unique demographic composition, including a high proportion of Indigenous Australians who experience significantly lower life expectancy, the challenges of healthcare delivery across vast remote distances, higher rates of health risk factors including smoking and alcohol consumption, and socioeconomic disadvantage concentrated in remote communities. However, the Northern Territory demonstrated the most significant improvements during the measured period, with males gaining 0.6 years and females 0.3 years in life expectancy, suggesting that targeted health interventions and improved service delivery are beginning to yield positive results.
The middle-tier states and territories show more modest variations. Western Australia and Victoria both recorded male life expectancy of 81.5 years, positioning them just behind the ACT. Western Australia’s females achieved 85.7 years, matching the ACT’s performance for women, likely reflecting the state’s economic prosperity from mining resources, which has funded comprehensive health infrastructure. New South Wales, despite being Australia’s most populous state, recorded 81.2 years for males and 85.3 years for females, slightly below Victoria and Western Australia. Queensland’s life expectancy of 80.5 years for males and 84.7 years for females reflects its unique demographic challenges, including an aging population concentrated in coastal retirement destinations and significant remote and regional areas with limited healthcare access. Tasmania recorded the lowest life expectancy among the southern states at 80.3 years for males and 83.7 years for females, but notably showed the largest male improvement in specific regions, with the South East gaining 1.4 years, demonstrating that focused regional health initiatives can produce substantial outcomes. These state and territory variations highlight the critical importance of place in determining health outcomes, with approximately 5 years of life separating residents of the best-performing and worst-performing jurisdictions.
Indigenous vs Non-Indigenous Life Expectancy Gap in Australia 2025
| Population Group | Male Life Expectancy | Female Life Expectancy | Gap vs Non-Indigenous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander | 71.9 years (2020-2022) | 75.6 years (2020-2022) | -8.8 years (males), -8.1 years (females) |
| Non-Indigenous Australian | 80.6 years (2020-2022) | 83.8 years (2020-2022) | Baseline comparison |
| Indigenous in Major Cities | 72.5 years | 76.5 years | Better than remote areas |
| Indigenous in Regional Areas | 72.8 years | 76.7 years | Similar to cities |
| Indigenous in Remote/Very Remote | 67.3 years | 71.3 years | -5.5 years (males), -5.4 years (females) vs cities |
| Gap from Most Disadvantaged Areas | 5.1 years difference | 3.0 years difference | Socioeconomic impact |
| Gap from Most Advantaged Areas | 5.1 years difference | 3.0 years difference | Disparity within population |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life expectancy 2020-2022; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) – Deaths in Australia
The Indigenous versus non-Indigenous life expectancy gap in Australia 2025 represents one of the nation’s most pressing health equity challenges and a key focus of the national Closing the Gap strategy. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males born in 2020-2022 have a life expectancy of 71.9 years, which is 8.8 years less than non-Indigenous males at 80.6 years. Similarly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females have a life expectancy of 75.6 years, representing an 8.1-year gap compared to non-Indigenous females at 83.8 years. These substantial disparities reflect the complex interplay of historical trauma from colonization, ongoing socioeconomic disadvantage, limited access to quality healthcare services, higher rates of chronic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, and the impacts of racism and discrimination within healthcare systems.
Geography plays a profound role in determining Indigenous life expectancy in Australia 2025. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in major cities have significantly better outcomes, with males reaching 72.5 years and females 76.5 years. Regional areas show similar or slightly improved figures at 72.8 years for males and 76.7 years for females. However, those residing in remote and very remote areas experience dramatically lower life expectancy of just 67.3 years for males and 71.3 years for females. This represents a shocking 5.5-year disadvantage for remote males and 5.4 years for remote females compared to their urban counterparts within the Indigenous population itself. The extreme remoteness compounds healthcare challenges, with limited access to specialist services, emergency medical care requiring long-distance evacuation, fewer preventive health programs, and cultural barriers to engaging with mainstream health services.
Socioeconomic status creates additional layers of disadvantage within the Indigenous population. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males born in the most disadvantaged areas have a life expectancy of 69.5 years, while those in the least disadvantaged areas reach 74.6 years—a 5.1-year difference. For females, the gap between most and least disadvantaged areas is 3.0 years (74.0 years versus 77.0 years). The life expectancy gap at birth between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians of 8.8 years for males and 8.1 years for females represents only a modest improvement from historical levels, with the gap in 2005-2007 standing at 11.4 years for males and 9.6 years for females. The National Agreement on Closing the Gap aims to close the life expectancy gap within a generation by 2031, but current progress suggests this ambitious target will not be met without dramatically accelerated interventions. The mortality rate ratio shows that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience death rates 2 to 3 times higher in remote areas compared to major cities for potentially avoidable deaths, highlighting systemic failures in healthcare delivery and the urgent need for culturally responsive, adequately resourced health services in remote communities.
Life Expectancy at Different Ages in Australia 2025
| Current Age | Males: Additional Years Expected | Females: Additional Years Expected | Total Expected Age (Males) | Total Expected Age (Females) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At Birth (0 years) | 81.1 years | 85.1 years | 81.1 years | 85.1 years |
| Age 10 | 71.3 years | 75.2 years | 81.3 years | 85.2 years |
| Age 20 | 61.4 years | 65.3 years | 81.4 years | 85.3 years |
| Age 30 | 51.6 years | 55.4 years | 81.6 years | 85.4 years |
| Age 40 | 41.9 years | 45.6 years | 81.9 years | 85.6 years |
| Age 50 | 32.4 years | 36.0 years | 82.4 years | 86.0 years |
| Age 60 | 23.4 years | 26.6 years | 83.4 years | 86.6 years |
| Age 65 | 20.1 years | 22.7 years | 85.1 years | 87.7 years |
| Age 70 | 16.2 years | 18.5 years | 86.2 years | 88.5 years |
| Age 80 | 9.3 years | 10.5 years | 89.3 years | 90.5 years |
Data Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) – Deaths in Australia; Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Life Tables 2021-2023
Understanding life expectancy at different ages in Australia 2025 is crucial for retirement planning, financial forecasting, and healthcare resource allocation. A common misconception is that life expectancy at birth represents how long an individual will live, but in reality, those who survive past childhood and early adulthood have substantially higher life expectancy than the birth statistics suggest. For Australian males aged 65—the traditional retirement age—the remaining life expectancy is 20.1 years, meaning they can expect to live until approximately 85.1 years of age. This is 4 years longer than their life expectancy calculated at birth (81.1 years). Similarly, females aged 65 can expect to live another 22.7 years to reach 87.7 years, which is 2.6 years longer than their birth life expectancy of 85.1 years.
This phenomenon occurs because life expectancy at birth accounts for infant mortality, childhood accidents, and deaths during young adulthood. Those who survive these earlier life stages have demonstrated resilience and have lower mortality risk going forward. For a male reaching age 60 in Australia today, his remaining life expectancy is 23.4 years, translating to a total expected age of 83.4 years. A female at 60 can expect another 26.6 years, reaching 86.6 years. These figures have profound implications for superannuation planning, as Australians need to ensure their retirement savings can sustain them for potentially 20 to 30 years after leaving the workforce.
The data reveals interesting patterns across different life stages. At age 40, males can expect to reach 81.9 years and females 85.6 years—already slightly higher than birth estimates. By age 50, these expectations increase to 82.4 years for males and 86.0 years for females. Perhaps most remarkably, those who reach age 80 demonstrate exceptional survival characteristics, with males expecting another 9.3 years to reach 89.3 years and females another 10.5 years to reach 90.5 years. This octogenarian resilience reflects both biological robustness and access to modern medical care that manages chronic conditions effectively. For retirement planners and policymakers, these statistics emphasize that Australian retirees will likely live far longer than birth statistics suggest, necessitating adequate savings, comprehensive healthcare coverage, and aged care services capable of supporting a growing elderly population for extended periods. The gender gap narrows considerably at older ages, from 4.0 years at birth to approximately 2.6 years at age 65 and 1.2 years at age 80, reflecting differential survival patterns where resilient males who reach advanced ages have mortality profiles increasingly similar to females.
International Comparison: Australia’s Global Life Expectancy Ranking 2025
| Country Ranking | Country | Life Expectancy (Years) | Difference from Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Switzerland | 84.3 years | +1.3 years |
| 2nd | Japan | 84.1 years | +1.1 years |
| 3rd | Spain | 84.0 years | +1.0 years |
| 4th | Israel | 83.8 years | +0.8 years |
| 5th (tie) | Italy | 83.5 years | +0.5 years |
| 5th (tie) | Korea | 83.5 years | +0.5 years |
| 7th (tie) | Luxembourg | 83.4 years | +0.4 years |
| 7th (tie) | Sweden | 83.4 years | +0.4 years |
| 9th | Norway | 83.1 years | +0.1 years |
| 10th | Australia | 83.0 years | Baseline |
Data Source: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) – Life expectancy at birth; Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Life expectancy 2022-2024
Australia’s international life expectancy ranking in Australia 2025 positions the nation firmly among the world’s healthiest countries, though not at the absolute pinnacle. With an overall life expectancy of 83.0 years (calculated as the average of male 81.1 years and female 85.1 years), Australia ranks 10th globally among OECD nations. This represents strong performance on the world stage, placing Australia ahead of countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand, all of which have comparable healthcare systems and economic development levels. Australia’s position reflects the cumulative benefits of universal healthcare through Medicare, comprehensive public health programs, relatively low poverty rates, high education levels, multicultural dietary diversity, and favorable climate conditions that support year-round outdoor activity.
Switzerland leads the world rankings with an impressive life expectancy of 84.3 years, 1.3 years ahead of Australia. The Swiss advantage stems from exceptional healthcare quality, high per capita income, low obesity rates, active lifestyle culture, and strong social cohesion. Japan holds second place at 84.1 years, 1.1 years ahead of Australia, maintaining its long-standing reputation for longevity attributed to the traditional Japanese diet rich in fish and vegetables, strong social support systems, universal healthcare access, and cultural emphasis on preventive health. Spain occupies third position with 84.0 years, surpassing Australia by 1.0 year, benefiting from the Mediterranean diet, strong family connections, and comprehensive public healthcare.
Israel’s 4th place ranking at 83.8 years (0.8 years ahead of Australia) demonstrates the health outcomes achievable in diverse, high-performing healthcare systems. Italy and Korea share 5th position at 83.5 years, each 0.5 years ahead of Australia. Italy’s Mediterranean lifestyle and Korea’s rapid healthcare modernization have produced remarkable longevity despite different cultural contexts. Luxembourg and Sweden tie for 7th place at 83.4 years (0.4 years ahead of Australia), with Luxembourg benefiting from exceptional wealth and healthcare investment, while Sweden’s comprehensive welfare state ensures universal access to quality services. Norway rounds out the countries ahead of Australia at 9th position with 83.1 years, just 0.1 years higher, reflecting the Norwegian model of social democracy and healthcare excellence.
Australia’s 10th place ranking, while commendable, suggests room for improvement. The gap between Australia and Switzerland of 1.3 years represents potential gains if Australia could adopt best practices from leading nations. Key areas for improvement include further reducing smoking rates, addressing obesity levels that exceed many European countries, closing the substantial Indigenous health gap, improving healthcare access in remote and rural areas, and enhancing preventive health programs. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted global rankings, with Australia experiencing smaller mortality increases than countries like the United States and United Kingdom but larger impacts than New Zealand, which maintained stricter border controls longer. As nations recover from the pandemic, Australia’s ranking may shift depending on how effectively the country addresses chronic disease burden, mental health challenges, and health inequities that constrain longevity potential.
Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy (HALE) in Australia 2025
| Health Metric | Males | Females | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Life Expectancy | 81.1 years | 85.1 years | 83.1 years |
| Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy (HALE) | 71.7 years | 73.8 years | 72.8 years |
| Years Lived in Full Health | 71.7 years | 73.8 years | Average |
| Years Lived with Illness/Disability | 9.4 years | 11.3 years | 10.4 years |
| Percentage of Life in Full Health | 88% | 86% | 87% |
| Percentage of Life with Illness | 12% | 14% | 13% |
| Change in Healthy Life Percentage (2003-2024) | -1% (from 89%) | -2% (from 88%) | Declining slightly |
Data Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) – Australian Burden of Disease Study 2024: Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy
Health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) in Australia 2025 provides a more nuanced understanding of population health by distinguishing between years lived in full health versus years lived with disease, injury, or disability. While total life expectancy measures quantity of life, HALE measures quality of life by calculating how many years Australians can expect to live without the burden of illness. For males born in 2024, HALE is 71.7 years, meaning they can expect to spend 71.7 years in full health and approximately 9.4 years living with illness or disability before death. For females, HALE is 73.8 years, with roughly 11.3 years expected to be spent with health conditions that impact quality of life.
These figures reveal an important reality: while women live longer than men overall (85.1 years versus 81.1 years), they spend more years living with illness—11.3 years compared to 9.4 years for men. Consequently, males spend 88% of their lives in full health, while females spend 86% in full health. This gender paradox—where women live longer but with more morbidity—reflects biological differences in disease susceptibility, higher rates of chronic conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis in women, and differential healthcare-seeking behaviors where women are more likely to report and receive treatment for chronic conditions, potentially increasing recorded morbidity.
The trend over time shows a concerning pattern: between 2003 and 2024, the proportion of life spent in full health has declined slightly for both genders. Males saw a 1 percentage point decrease from 89% to 88%, while females experienced a 2 percentage point decline from 88% to 86%. This suggests that while Australians are living longer, they are not necessarily living healthier. The increase in years lived with disability reflects rising rates of chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, mental health disorders, and musculoskeletal problems, as well as improved medical treatments that extend life with chronic conditions rather than curing them, an aging population with more age-related ailments, and lifestyle factors including obesity and physical inactivity.
For a 21-year-old male in 2024, the HALE projections indicate he can expect to live 52.2 years (85%) of his remaining life in full health and 9.0 years (15%) in ill health. These statistics have profound implications for healthcare planning, aged care services, disability support systems, and superannuation adequacy, as Australians must financially prepare not just for longevity but for potentially lengthy periods requiring medical care and support services. The burden of disease data identifies the leading contributors to years lived with disability in Australia, including mental health conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, endocrine conditions such as diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Addressing these conditions through preventive health strategies, early intervention, and effective disease management represents a critical opportunity to improve HALE and ensure that the additional years of life expectancy Australians are gaining are years of quality and independence, not disability and dependence on care services.
Regional and Metropolitan Life Expectancy Differences in Australia 2025
| Geographic Classification | Male Life Expectancy | Female Life Expectancy | Gap vs Inner Metropolitan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner Metropolitan (Capital City Centers) | 82.3 years (estimated) | 86.0 years (estimated) | Baseline (highest) |
| Outer Metropolitan (Capital City Edges) | 81.5 years (estimated) | 85.2 years (estimated) | -0.8 years (males), -0.8 years (females) |
| Major Regional Cities | 80.4 years (estimated) | 84.1 years (estimated) | -1.9 years (males), -1.9 years (females) |
| Rural Areas | 79.9 years (estimated) | 83.7 years (estimated) | -2.4 years (males), -2.3 years (females) |
| Remote and Very Remote Areas | 77.5 years (estimated) | 81.5 years (estimated) | -4.8 years (males), -4.5 years (females) |
| Far West NSW (Example) | ~79.1 years | ~79.1 years (combined) | -5.4 years vs Sydney |
| Sydney (Highest Sub-Region) | 85.8 years (North Sydney/Hornsby) | 88.1 years (North Sydney/Hornsby) | Premium location |
Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Life expectancy 2022-2024, Regional data; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) – Rural and Remote Health
Australia’s life expectancy in 2025 continues to show strong national performance, but significant geographic differences highlight how location influences health outcomes. Inner metropolitan regions—mainly capital city centres—record the highest life expectancy, with males living an estimated 82.3 years and females 86.0 years. These areas benefit from greater access to advanced healthcare, education, and higher socio-economic conditions, forming the baseline against which all other regions are compared. In outer metropolitan zones, which include the suburban edges of major cities, life expectancy drops slightly to 81.5 years for males and 85.2 years for females, representing a modest gap of 0.8 years compared with inner metropolitan areas. Major regional cities show a more pronounced decline, with males living around 80.4 years and females 84.1 years—almost two years lower than the inner-city populations.
The gap widens further in rural and remote parts of Australia, where reduced healthcare access, higher occupational risks, and socio-economic challenges contribute to shorter lifespans. Rural areas record male life expectancy at 79.9 years and female life expectancy at 83.7 years, around 2.3 to 2.4 years below inner metropolitan benchmarks. Remote and very remote communities experience the largest gap nationally, with males living an estimated 77.5 years and females 81.5 years—nearly five years lower for both genders. Specific sub-regional variations highlight these disparities even more sharply; for example, Far West NSW has a combined life expectancy of around 79.1 years, which is approximately 5.4 years lower than Sydney. In contrast, North Sydney and Hornsby—Australia’s highest-performing sub-region—reach 85.8 years for males and 88.1 years for females, reinforcing its status as a premium longevity location.
Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.