More people flew here than grew here in 2025
While it was mooted last week that Australia’s population had ticked over 28 million people, the ABS how now made it official, announcing 1.5 per cent growth in 12 months.
AUSTRALIA’S population grew by 1.5 per cent in the 12 months to December 2025, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The nation officially had 27.8 million people, 412,500 more people than in December 2024.
“This was made up by natural increase, which is the number of births minus those who died, and overseas migration,” said Beidar Cho, ABS head of demography.
Natural increase added 111,500 people, with births and deaths up by 3.6 per cent and 0.1 per cent respectively.
Net overseas migration added 301,000 people over the year.
“Western Australia continues to have the fastest-growing population, with an annual rise of 2.2 percent,” Ms Cho said.
Tasmania had the slowest growth, with a 0.5 per cent rise in population.
Victoria was up 1.7 per cent, Queensland and the Northern Territory 1.6 per cent, the ACT 1.3 per cent, New South Wales 1.2 per cent, and South Australia 1.0 per cent.
NSW remains the most populous State with 8.6 million people, followed by Victoria with 7.1 million.
