Insights from the 2023 Population Statement
The 2023 Population Statement explores the continued recovery of Australia’s population following the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Annual population growth is forecast to increase from 1.3 per cent in 2021–22 to 2.4 per cent in 2022–23 and 1.9 per cent in 2023–24. Growth is then projected to gradually ease, reaching 1.2 per cent by 2033–34.
Australia’s estimated resident population is expected to grow from 26 million on 30 June 2022 to 30.9 million by 30 June 2034.
Net overseas migration has continued to recover from record low levels observed during the COVID‑19 pandemic, primarily driven by a recovery in international students and other temporary migrants like working holiday makers.
Net overseas migration is forecast to return to pre‑pandemic levels from 2024–25, as pandemic‑related factors wane and policy directions identified in the Migration Strategy take effect.
States and territories are projected to return to well‑established population growth patterns experienced pre‑pandemic.
Capital cities and regional areas are likewise projected to return to familiar patterns of population growth in the coming years and return to their long-run population trends by 2025–26.