Populated City in Australia 2025 | Statistics & Facts

Populated City in Australia 2025

Australia continues to experience remarkable urban transformation as one of the world’s most urbanized nations. The populated city in Australia 2025 landscape reveals fascinating patterns of growth, with 27,536,874 people calling Australia home as of 31 March 2025. The nation’s metropolitan areas dominate the demographic landscape, with capital cities absorbing the vast majority of population growth. Australia’s urbanization rate stands at an impressive 86.5%, meaning more than 23.3 million people reside in metropolitan areas while vast interior regions remain sparsely inhabited with a national density of just 3.5 people per square kilometer.

The populated city in Australia 2025 statistics demonstrate that growth patterns are heavily concentrated in coastal metropolitan hubs. The five largest cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide—collectively house approximately 17.5 million people or 64% of the national population. This coastal concentration phenomenon sees more than 76% of Australians residing within 50 kilometers of the ocean. Net overseas migration contributed 315,900 people in the year ending March 2025, representing 74.6% of total population increase, while natural increase accounted for 107,400 people or 25.4%. The quarterly growth rate stands at 0.5%, with an annual growth rate of 1.6%, reflecting a deliberate policy recalibration toward sustainable immigration levels compared to previous years.

Interesting Stats & Facts About Populated City in Australia 2025

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – National, state and territory population March 2025; Regional population 2023-24 financial year

The populated city in Australia 2025 facts reveal extraordinary urban dynamics shaping the nation. Australia ranks as the third least densely populated country globally after Namibia and Mongolia, yet paradoxically stands among the world’s most urbanized nations. The median age disparity between capital cities at 36.9 years and regional Australia at 42.0 years highlights how international arrivals and young domestic migrants concentrate in metropolitan employment centers. Darwin emerges as the youngest capital at 34.8 years and uniquely holds more males than females, while Hobart claims the distinction of oldest capital at 39.3 years. The overseas-born population of 8.6 million people represents 31.5% of Australia’s total population, with England, India, China and New Zealand contributing the largest overseas-born populations.

The growth dynamics of populated city in Australia 2025 demonstrate remarkable resilience despite global uncertainties. Melbourne recorded the largest absolute increase of 142,600 people in the 2023-24 financial year, driven predominantly by net overseas migration of 121,200 people and natural increase of 29,000 people. Perth achieved the highest growth rate at 3.1%, adding 72,700 people with net overseas migration contributing 53,400 and net internal migration adding 8,078 people. Capital cities collectively absorbed 427,800 new residents representing 79% of national growth, while regional areas added 113,800 people. The concentration of 86% of net overseas migration in capital cities in 2023-24 reinforces established settlement patterns. Growth areas predominantly cluster in outer-suburban locations where housing affordability and infrastructure development attract families and migrants seeking opportunities in Australia’s thriving metropolitan centers.

Sydney Population in Australia 2025

Sydney remains Australia’s largest city by the Greater Capital City Statistical Area measure, hosting 5,557,233 people as of June 2024. The harbor city added 107,500 people in the 2023-24 financial year, representing a 2.0% growth rate. Sydney’s population dynamics reflect its status as the nation’s economic powerhouse and primary gateway for international arrivals.

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Regional population 2023-24 financial year

Sydney’s populated city in Australia 2025 status demonstrates complex metropolitan dynamics. The city experienced growth of 107,500 people during 2023-24, with net overseas migration contributing 120,886 people as the dominant factor. However, Sydney recorded a significant net internal migration loss of 41,086 people, the largest among Australian capitals, as residents relocated to more affordable interstate destinations particularly Brisbane and Perth. Natural increase added 27,738 people through births exceeding deaths. The growth concentration in outer areas like Schofields – East, Box Hill – Nelson, and Austral – Greendale in Sydney’s outer north-west and south-west reflects affordability pressures pushing families toward urban fringe locations 50 kilometers from the CBD.

Sydney’s population distribution reveals stark density contrasts across the metropolitan area. The Haymarket CBD records Australia’s highest density at 22,000 people per square kilometer, while inner suburbs like Wolli Creek maintain 18,200 people per square kilometer. Sydney possesses 194 square kilometers in high and very high density classes, surpassing Melbourne’s 69 square kilometers and Brisbane’s 24 square kilometers. Geographic constraints limit Sydney’s expansion primarily westward, with new transport connections including the Sydney Metro and trains to Leppington driving outer suburban development. The 2.0% growth rate positions Sydney fifth among capital cities, below the national capital average of 2.4%, reflecting housing affordability challenges and internal migration losses despite maintaining strong international appeal with 120,886 net overseas migrants choosing Sydney in 2023-24.

Melbourne Population in Australia 2025

Melbourne achieved a milestone as Australia’s fastest-growing major city in absolute numbers, with the Greater Melbourne area reaching 5,350,705 people by June 2024. The city added an impressive 142,600 people during the 2023-24 financial year, representing a 2.7% growth rate that positions Melbourne on track to potentially surpass Sydney as Australia’s largest city by the early 2030s.

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Regional population 2023-24 financial year

Melbourne’s populated city in Australia 2025 performance showcases exceptional metropolitan expansion. The addition of 142,600 people in 2023-24 represents the largest absolute population increase of any Australian city, driven primarily by net overseas migration of 121,240 people and natural increase of 28,978 people. Unlike Sydney, Melbourne experienced a smaller net internal migration loss of only 7,581 people, indicating better retention of residents despite interstate competition. The growth distribution spans outer-suburban areas including Fraser Rise – Plumpton in the west adding 4,300 people, Rockbank – Mount Cottrell adding 4,100 people, and Clyde North – South in the south-east adding 3,900 people. Melbourne’s geographic advantage allows expansion west, north, and south-east, unlike Sydney’s western constraint.

Melbourne’s density profile positions it as Australia’s second-densest major city with 69 square kilometers in high and very high density classes. The Melbourne CBD-West precinct records 21,400 people per square kilometer, while Carlton in inner Melbourne attracts the largest overseas migration gain of 2,900 people annually. The city’s appeal to international migrants remains exceptionally strong, with 121,240 net overseas migrants choosing Melbourne in 2023-24, nearly matching Sydney’s 120,886 despite a smaller base population. The 2.7% growth rate ties with Brisbane for second-fastest among capitals, positioning Melbourne favorably in the race to become Australia’s largest city. With the gap narrowing to approximately 206,000 people between Sydney and Melbourne by Greater Capital City measures, demographic projections suggest Melbourne could overtake Sydney between 2031-2035 if current growth trajectories continue.

Brisbane Population in Australia 2025

Brisbane continues its transformation as Australia’s third-largest city and fastest-growing major metropolitan area proportionally, with Greater Brisbane reaching 2,850,000 people (estimated) by mid-2024. The city added 72,900 people during the 2023-24 financial year, achieving a 2.7% growth rate that matches Melbourne’s expansion velocity.

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Regional population 2023-24 financial year; Centre for Population Regional data 2023-24

Brisbane’s populated city in Australia 2025 trajectory demonstrates exceptional metropolitan appeal combining international migration and interstate attraction. The city’s growth of 72,900 people in 2023-24 comprised net overseas migration of 44,259 people, net internal migration of 15,567 people, and natural increase of 13,104 people. Brisbane and Perth are the only two major Australian capitals recording positive net internal migration, indicating strong domestic population flows from southern states. The positive interstate migration reflects Queensland’s lifestyle appeal, employment opportunities in mining and services sectors, and relative housing affordability compared to Sydney and Melbourne. Growth concentrates in outer areas including Chambers Flat – Logan Reserve adding 2,400 people and Ripley in Ipswich with the largest net internal migration gain.

Brisbane’s urban density profile reveals concentrated inner-city development with 24 square kilometers in high and very high density classes. The inner suburbs of Kangaroo Point and West End record 8,900 people per square kilometer, representing Brisbane’s densest precincts. The city’s growth extends throughout South East Queensland including the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, with some demographic analyses considering the broader region as an interconnected metropolitan system. The 2.7% growth rate positions Brisbane equal second with Melbourne, substantially above Sydney’s 2.0%. Brisbane City LGA alone houses 1.35 million people, making it Australia’s most populous local government area. The city’s expansion toward becoming the majority of Queensland’s population, projected to reach 50-51% by 2032, underscores Brisbane’s increasing dominance of the state’s demographic landscape and its role as Australia’s fastest-growing major metropolitan hub.

Perth Population in Australia 2025

Perth achieved recognition as Australia’s fastest-growing capital city by growth rate in 2023-24, with Greater Perth reaching approximately 2,428,000 people by mid-2024. The Western Australian capital added 72,700 people during the financial year, representing an impressive 3.1% growth rate that surpassed all other capital cities.

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Regional population 2023-24 financial year

Perth’s populated city in Australia 2025 performance reflects extraordinary metropolitan resurgence. The 3.1% growth rate added 72,700 people during 2023-24, driven by net overseas migration of 53,414 people, net internal migration of 8,078 people, and natural increase of 11,250 people. Perth’s positive net internal migration signals renewed domestic appeal following years of net losses during the mining downturn. Western Australia’s booming resources sector, infrastructure investment through the MetroNet rail expansion program, and relative housing affordability compared to eastern capitals drive this resurgence. Growth spreads across outer areas including Brabham – Henley Brook in the north-east and Baldivis – North in the south, each adding 1,500 people.

Perth’s urban structure shows less concentrated density compared to eastern capitals, with only 3 square kilometers in high and very high density classes matching Canberra. The coastal suburb of Scarborough records 4,000 people per square kilometer as a high-density precinct. Perth’s expansion occurs predominantly through urban sprawl rather than densification, with the urban residential footprint growing faster than Melbourne and Sydney since 2006. Despite new MetroNet stations including the Airport and High Wycombe line opened in late 2022, maintaining population concentration near rapid transit remains challenging given extensive suburban development. The 3.1% growth rate positions Perth as Australia’s fastest-growing major city proportionally, with Western Australia’s 2.8% state growth rate leading all jurisdictions. Perth’s population now represents approximately 80% of Western Australia’s total, projected to increase to 81% by 2032, consolidating the city’s dominance of the state’s population landscape.

Adelaide Population in Australia 2025

Adelaide maintains its position as Australia’s fifth-largest city, with Greater Adelaide reaching approximately 1,445,000 people by mid-2024. The South Australian capital added 22,100 people during the 2023-24 financial year, recording a 1.5% growth rate that reflects moderate but steady expansion.

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Regional population 2023-24 financial year

Adelaide’s populated city in Australia 2025 statistics reveal a city experiencing measured growth below the national capital average. The addition of 22,100 people in 2023-24 comprised primarily net overseas migration of 21,690 people, with natural increase contributing 3,758 people and net internal migration showing a loss of 3,323 people. The negative interstate migration reflects Adelaide’s challenge in attracting and retaining domestic migrants amid competition from faster-growing eastern capitals and Perth. However, overseas migration remains robust with the Adelaide CBD recording the largest net overseas migration gain of 1,400 people annually. Growth concentrates in northern suburbs including Munno Para West – Angle Vale adding 1,700 people with the largest net internal migration gain among Adelaide areas.

Adelaide’s urban density profile shows the most compact high-density footprint among major capitals with only 1 square kilometer in high and very high density classes. The suburbs surrounding Adelaide’s CBD including Prospect and Unley – Parkside record 3,100 people per square kilometer as the city’s densest precincts. Adelaide’s median age of 39.2 years positions it as Australia’s second-oldest capital after Hobart, reflecting lower international student numbers and fewer young working-age migrants compared to Melbourne and Sydney. The 1.5% growth rate ranks sixth among capitals, substantially below the national capital average of 2.4%. Adelaide represents approximately 78% of South Australia’s population, projected to increase to 79-80% by 2032. South Australia’s overall 1.4% state growth rate trails national figures, though Adelaide continues steady expansion supported by targeted migration policies encouraging settlement in the state.

Canberra (Australian Capital Territory) Population in Australia 2025

Canberra recorded moderate growth as Australia’s capital city, with the Australian Capital Territory reaching approximately 468,000 people by mid-2024. The national capital added 7,400 people during the 2023-24 financial year, representing a 1.6% growth rate.

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Regional population 2023-24 financial year; Centre for Population Regional data 2023-24

Canberra’s populated city in Australia 2025 growth reflects the planned nature of Australia’s purpose-built national capital. The addition of 7,400 people in 2023-24 comprised net overseas migration of 6,246 people, natural increase of 2,800 people, and net internal migration loss of 1,550 people. The negative interstate migration reflects Canberra’s specific employment structure dominated by public service and defense sectors, limiting broader economic appeal compared to diversified capitals. However, international migration remains steady with Belconnen town centre recording the largest net overseas migration gain of 310 people. Growth concentrates in new suburban developments including Taylor, Strathnairn, Denman Prospect, and Phillip ranking among Australia’s top 10 fastest-growing SA2 areas.

Canberra’s urban form shows concentrated density in inner areas with 3 square kilometers in high and very high density classes. Kingston on Lake Burley Griffin’s south-eastern banks and Braddon in the inner north both record 5,200 people per square kilometer, representing Canberra’s densest precincts. The median age of 35.7 years positions Canberra as Australia’s second-youngest capital after Darwin, reflecting the city’s working-age population structure and student presence from the Australian National University and University of Canberra. The 1.6% growth rate ranks seventh among capitals, below the 2.4% national capital average. Remarkably, Molonglo recorded 12.5% growth as Australia’s fastest-growing SA3 area, showcasing Canberra’s expansion into new planned suburbs. The ACT recorded a unique net overcount of -0.6% in census enumeration, the only jurisdiction with more people counted than estimated, indicating precise population tracking in the compact territory.

Hobart Population in Australia 2025

Hobart experienced Australia’s slowest capital city growth, with Greater Hobart reaching approximately 253,000 people by mid-2024. The Tasmanian capital added just 950 people during the 2023-24 financial year, recording a minimal 0.4% growth rate that represents the lowest expansion since 2001-02.

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Regional population 2023-24 financial year

Hobart’s populated city in Australia 2025 statistics reveal challenging demographic dynamics for Australia’s southern capital. The addition of just 950 people in 2023-24 comprised net overseas migration of 2,484 people and natural increase of 462 people, substantially offset by net internal migration loss of 2,000 people. The significant negative interstate migration reflects Hobart’s limited employment opportunities, smaller economic base, and competition from mainland capitals offering greater career prospects. Hobart Inner and Hobart North-West represent the only capital city SA3 areas experiencing population decline in 2023-24, with Hobart North-West declining continuously since 2021-22. However, outer areas show modest growth with Sorell – Richmond in the north-east adding 200 people and recording the largest internal migration gain of 120 people.

Hobart’s urban density profile shows limited concentration with Sandy Bay recording 1,800 people per square kilometer as the highest-density precinct surrounding the CBD. The median age of 39.3 years positions Hobart as Australia’s oldest capital city, reflecting an aging population structure and lower attraction for young working-age migrants. The city’s sex ratio of 95.2 males per 100 females represents the lowest among capitals, indicating higher female population shares. The 0.4% growth rate positions Hobart eighth and last among capital cities, substantially below the 2.4% national capital average. Tasmania’s overall population grew by only 0.3% in 2023-24, the slowest state growth nationally. Hobart represents 44% of Tasmania’s population, projected to increase to 45-46% by 2032 as the capital slowly consolidates a larger share of the state’s declining regional populations. The city’s growth challenges reflect broader structural economic issues facing Australia’s smallest state capital.

Darwin Population in Australia 2025

Darwin maintains its position as Australia’s smallest mainland capital city, with Greater Darwin reaching approximately 155,000 people by mid-2024. The Northern Territory capital added 1,400 people during the 2023-24 financial year, recording a modest 0.9% growth rate that positions Darwin seventh among capital cities.

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Regional population 2023-24 financial year; Regional population by age and sex 2024

Darwin’s populated city in Australia 2025 profile reveals unique demographic characteristics as Australia’s tropical northern capital. The addition of 1,400 people in 2023-24 comprised net overseas migration of 2,740 people and natural increase of 1,378 people, substantially offset by net internal migration loss of 2,751 people. The significant negative interstate migration reflects Darwin’s isolation, limited economic diversification beyond defense and resources sectors, cyclone risk, and tropical climate challenges. However, overseas migration remains relatively strong with Darwin City recording the largest net overseas migration gain of 420 people annually. Growth occurs in outer areas including Howard Springs east of Darwin City and Lyons on the northern fringe, each adding 210 people, with Howard Springs achieving 3.7% growth rate.

Darwin’s demographic profile shows distinctive characteristics among Australian capitals. The median age of 34.8 years establishes Darwin as Australia’s youngest capital city, reflecting high defense force personnel numbers, transient mining workers, and younger working-age population structure. Darwin uniquely records a sex ratio of 105.0 males per 100 females, the only capital with more males than females, driven by male-dominated defense and resources employment. Inner suburbs Parap and Stuart Park record 2,700 people per square kilometer as Darwin’s densest precincts. The 0.9% growth rate ranks Darwin seventh among capitals, above only Hobart’s 0.4% but substantially below the 2.4% national capital average. Darwin represents 60% of the Northern Territory’s population, projected to reach 61% by 2032, consolidating the capital’s dominance. The Northern Territory recorded the highest census net undercount at 6.0%, reflecting enumeration challenges in remote Indigenous communities and transient populations across the territory’s vast geographic expanse.

Regional Australia Population Growth in Australia 2025

Regional Australia encompasses all areas outside Greater Capital City Statistical Areas, representing 29% of the national population. Regional areas added 113,800 people during the 2023-24 financial year, recording a 1.3% growth rate that lags substantially behind the 2.4% capital city average.

Regional Australia continues to play a vital role in the nation’s demographic landscape, accounting for an estimated 7.9 million people in 2024, or around 29% of the total population. Although smaller in size compared with capital cities, regional areas still recorded notable growth, increasing by 113,800 people (+1.3%) over the year. In comparison, Australia’s capital cities reached a combined population of approximately 19.3 million people (71%), growing by 427,800 (+2.4%). This means regional Australia contributed 21% of the nation’s total population growth, while capital cities absorbed a much larger share—79% of all growth—highlighting the continued appeal of metropolitan centres for employment, migration, and economic opportunities.

Despite this growth, regional Australia maintains a distinct demographic profile, shaped by an older age structure and slower inflows of younger residents. The median age in regional areas stands at 42.0 years, significantly higher than the 36.9 years recorded in capital cities, reflecting long-term patterns of outward youth migration and ageing-in-place tendencies. The higher proportion of elderly residents is also evident, with 21.6% of the regional population aged 65 and over, compared with just 14.3% in capital cities. These differences highlight the contrasting demographic pressures across Australia—regional areas facing the challenges of an ageing population, and capital cities managing rapid expansion driven by migration and internal movement.

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.

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