Data and forecasts

Cumulatively in 2021 (until 31 October), the total number of doctor-certified deaths (124,200) was higher than the number of doctor-certified deaths in 2020 (119,200), and higher than the average over 2015‑19 (118,800). The monthly number of doctor-certified deaths in October 2021 was higher than in October 2020 and the 2015‑19 average. From August to October, weekly doctor-certified deaths were not significantly higher in 2021 than the 2015‑19 average, despite a large increase in new COVID‑19 infections over this period. Age standardised death rates for total doctor-certified deaths in 2021 have been below the 2015‑19 average, suggesting that the increase in the number of cumulative deaths (when compared to 2015‑19) reflects a change in the size and age structure of the population rather than an increase in mortality.

The Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of Australia was 25.7 million people at 30 June 2021, around 34,300 people larger than at 31 March 2021. Population growth for the year ending 30 June 2021 was around 0.2 per cent (46,000 people), down from 1.3 per cent for the year ending 30 June 2020. This is the lowest recorded financial year growth since 1916-17 when growth was 0.0 per cent.