Regional population

Latest release

Statistics about the population and components of change (births, deaths, migration) for Australia's capital cities and regions

Reference period
2022-23 financial year

Key statistics

  • The capitals grew by 517,200 people (3.0%) in 2022-23.
  • Capital city growth comprised overseas migration (454,900), natural increase (89,200) and internal migration (-26,900).
  • Melbourne had the largest increase (167,500), Perth had the highest growth rate (3.6%). 
  • Regional Australia grew by 117,300 (1.4%).

Any reference to population refers to Estimated Resident Population (ERP).

Any reference to capital city refers to Greater Capital City Statistical Area (GCCSA), and any reference to area refers to Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2).

Capital cities

Population change

  • Melbourne had the largest growth (up by 167,500 people), followed by Sydney (146,700), Perth (81,300) and Brisbane (81,200).
  • Perth had the highest growth rate (3.6%), followed by Melbourne (3.3%) and Brisbane (3.1%).
Population change by capital city
 ERP at 30 June 20232022-23 (no.)2022-23 (%)
Sydney5,450,496146,7022.8
Melbourne5,207,145167,4843.3
Brisbane2,706,96681,2203.1
Adelaide1,446,38028,0572.0
Perth2,309,33881,3183.6
Hobart253,6541,1650.5
Darwin150,7361,5821.1
Canberra466,5669,6512.1
Total capital cities17,991,281517,1793.0

Components of population change

Population change at the regional level has three components: natural increase, internal migration and overseas migration. 

  • Natural increase was highest in Sydney followed by Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
  • Brisbane and Perth were the only capitals to have net internal migration gains. Net internal migration loss was largest in Sydney and Melbourne.
  • All capital cities experienced net overseas migration gain, which was largest in Sydney followed by Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.

Regions

The areas with the largest growth were:

  • Rockbank - Mount Cottrell (up by 4,300 people) in Melbourne's outer west
  • Marsden Park - Shanes Park and Box Hill - Nelson (both 3,900) in Sydney's outer north-west

The areas with the highest growth rates were:

  • Strathnairn (50%) in Canberra's outer north-west
  • Taylor (46%) in Canberra's outer north
  • Box Hill - Nelson (27%)

Outside of the capital cities: 

  • Caloundra West - Baringa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast had the largest growth (up by 1,700 people) and highest growth rate (9.8%)
Areas with the largest growth
SA2SA4ERP at 30 June 20232022-23 (no.)
Rockbank - Mount CottrellMelbourne - West27,2594,299
Marsden Park - Shanes ParkSydney - Blacktown23,7783,908
Box Hill - NelsonSydney - Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury18,3863,854
Schofields - EastSydney - Blacktown33,1653,483
Fraser Rise - PlumptonMelbourne - West16,4203,429
Areas with the highest growth rates
SA2(a)SA4ERP at 30 June 20232022-23 (%)
StrathnairnAustralian Capital Territory1,57650.4
TaylorAustralian Capital Territory3,70646.4
Box Hill - NelsonSydney - Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury18,38626.5
Fraser Rise - PlumptonMelbourne - West16,42026.4
Denman ProspectAustralian Capital Territory4,19120.2
  1. Excludes SA2s with less than 1,000 people at June 2022.

Centre of population

Australia's centre of population: 

  • was around 40 kilometres east of Ivanhoe in western New South Wales, reflecting the concentration of population in south-east Australia
  • moved 1.9 kilometres west in 2022-23, reflecting strong growth in Western Australia 

Map showing Australia's Centre of Population, June 2022 and June 2023

The image shows the location of Australia's centre of population on a map of Australia.

Map showing Australia's Centre of Population, June 2022 and June 2023

This image shows the location of Australia’s centre of population on a map of Australia. The area of the centre of population is zoomed in to an SA2 level, showing the locations of the centre of population as at 30 June 2022 and 30 June 2023. These locations are in Far West SA2, north of Hay SA2 in NSW.

Population density

Australia's population density at June 2023 was 3.5 people per square kilometre (sq km).

The most densely populated areas were: 

  • Melbourne CBD - North (38,400 people per sq km)
  • Southbank - East (23,300) in inner Melbourne
  • Sydney (South) - Haymarket (21,000) in the city centre

Population grid

Population density can also be explored at a finer level by breaking Australia up into 1 km² grid cells.

Grid cells can be grouped into population density classes, ranging from no population to very high.

  • Sydney had the largest combined area in the high and very high density classes (189 km²), followed by Melbourne (65 km²) and Brisbane (23 km²).
  • Canberra, Perth (both 2 km²) and Adelaide (1 km²) were the other capital cities to have areas in the high or very high density classes.
Total area (km²) in population density classes by capital city
 No populationVery lowLowMediumHighVery High
 (0)*(Less than 500)*(500-1999)*(2000-4999)*(5000-7999)*(More than 8000)*
Sydney7,0033,47179990213653
Melbourne2,9614,8739931,1125213
Brisbane6,9767,594809459194
Adelaide5521,99538431810
Perth2,8242,43368047620
Hobart5261,0351112200
Darwin2,423678542200
Canberra1,8602292036620

* people per square kilometre

New South Wales

Population change

Greater Sydney increased by 146,700 people (2.8%), the rest of the state increased by 28,900 (1.0%).

The areas with the largest growth were in Sydney's outer north-west:

  • Marsden Park - Shanes Park and Box Hill - Nelson, both up by 3,900 people
  • Schofields - East (up by 3,500 people)

The areas with the highest growth rates were: 

  • Box Hill - Nelson (27%)
  • Marsden Park - Shanes Park (20%)
  • Ultimo (19%) in inner Sydney

Components of population change

While net overseas migration (156,600 people) and natural increase (28,500) were positive contributors to Greater Sydney's population increase, net internal migration was negative (-38,400).

  • Schofields - East had the largest natural increase (500 people).
  • Box Hill - Nelson had the largest net internal migration gain (3,300).
  • Sydney (South) - Haymarket in the city centre had the largest net overseas migration gain (2,700).

Centre of population

The centre for New South Wales: 

  • was near the Hawkesbury River at June 2023, in the suburb of Sackville North
  • moved 570 metres south-east over 2022-23, reflecting growth in Sydney

The centre for Greater Sydney:

  • was near the Parramatta River at June 2023, in the suburb of Rosehill in western Sydney
  • moved 70 metres south-west over 2022-23, reflecting strong growth in the south-western suburbs

Population density

The areas with the highest density at June 2023 were:

  • Sydney (South) - Haymarket (21,000 people per sq km) 
  • Chippendale (20,000), to the south of Sydney's city centre
  • Wolli Creek (17,500) in Sydney's inner south-west

Victoria

Population change

Greater Melbourne increased by 167,500 people (3.3%), the rest of the state increased by 17,300 (1.1%).

The areas with the largest growth were:

  • Rockbank - Mount Cottrell (up by 4,300 people) and Fraser Rise - Plumpton (3,400), both in Melbourne's outer west
  • Mickleham - Yuroke (also 3,400) in Melbourne's outer north

The areas with the highest growth rates were:

  • Fraser Rise - Plumpton (26%)
  • Tarneit - North (19%) in Melbourne's outer west
  • Clayton (North) - Notting Hill (also 19%) in Melbourne's south-east 

Components of population change

While net overseas migration (146,800 people) and natural increase (27,400) were positive contributors to Greater Melbourne's population increase, net internal migration was negative (-6,700).

  • Mickleham - Yuroke had the largest natural increase (720 people).
  • Rockbank - Mount Cottrell had the largest net internal migration gain (3,400).
  • Carlton, in inner Melbourne, had the largest net overseas migration gain (3,700).

Centre of population

The centre for Victoria:

  • was in the suburb of Coburg North at June 2023, north of Melbourne’s central business district
  • moved 270 metres south over 2022-23, reflecting higher growth in Greater Melbourne

The centre for Greater Melbourne: 

  • was in the suburb of Malvern at June 2023, near the Monash Freeway
  • moved 150 metres north-west over 2022-23, reflecting stronger growth in Melbourne's north-west

Population density

The areas with the highest density at June 2023 were all in inner Melbourne:

  • Melbourne CBD - North (38,400 people per sq km)
  • Southbank - East (23,300)
  • Melbourne CBD - West (19,900)

Queensland

Population change

Greater Brisbane increased by 81,200 people (3.1%), the rest of the state increased by 58,300 (2.2%).

The areas with the largest growth were:

  • Boronia Heights - Park Ridge and Chambers Flat - Logan Reserve (both up by 2,000) in Logan
  • Ripley (also up by 2,000) in Ipswich

The areas with the highest growth rates were: 

  • Chambers Flat - Logan Reserve (18%)
  • Pallara - Willawong (14%) in Brisbane's south
  • Greenbank - North Maclean (13%) in Logan

Components of population change

Net overseas migration (51,800 people) was the largest contributor to Greater Brisbane's population increase, followed by net internal migration (15,300) and natural increase (14,100). 

  • Redbank Plains in Ipswich had the largest natural increase (430 people).
  • Chambers Flat - Logan Reserve had the largest net internal migration gain (1,700).
  • Brisbane City had the largest net overseas migration gain (1,500).

Centre of population

The centre for Queensland:

  • was in the rural locality of Booubyjan at June 2023, south-west of Maryborough
  • moved 2.1 kilometres south-east over 2022-23, reflecting strong population growth in South East Queensland

The centre for Greater Brisbane:

  • was in the suburb of Highgate Hill at June 2023, to the south of Brisbane's central business district
  • moved 80 metres south over 2022-23, indicating slightly higher growth in inner and outer south Brisbane

Population density

The areas with the highest density at June 2023 were all inner Brisbane suburbs:

  • Fortitude Valley (8,600 people per sq km) 
  • Kangaroo Point and West End (both 8,500)

South Australia

Population change

Greater Adelaide increased by 28,100 people (2.0%), the rest of the state increased by 3,000 (0.7%).

The areas with the largest growth were:

  • Munno Para West - Angle Vale (up by 1,800 people) in Adelaide's outer north
  • the city centre of Adelaide (1,400)
  • Mount Barker (1,000) in the Adelaide Hills

The areas with the highest growth rates were: 

  • Munno Para West - Angle Vale (10%)
  • the city centre of Adelaide (7.5%)
  • Virginia - Waterloo Corner (also 7.5%) in Adelaide's outer north 

Components of population change

While net overseas migration (26,500 people) and natural increase (3,400) were positive contributors to Greater Adelaide's population increase, net internal migration was negative (-1,800).

  • Munno Para West - Angle Vale had the largest natural increase (320 people) and largest net internal migration gain (1,400).
  • The city centre of Adelaide had the largest net overseas migration gain (1,700).

Centre of population

The centre for South Australia:

  • was in the suburb of Lightsview at June 2023, in Adelaide's inner north-east
  • moved 100 metres south over 2022-23, reflecting stronger growth in the state's south

The centre for Greater Adelaide: 

  • was on the banks of the River Torrens at June 2023, north of Adelaide's Botanic Park
  • moved marginally over 2022-23, reflecting similar growth in Adelaide's north and south

​​​​​​​Population density

The areas with the highest density at June 2023 were all near Adelaide's central business district: 

  • Unley - Parkside (3,100 people per sq km) to the south
  • Prospect (3,000) to the north
  • Norwood (also 3,000) to the east

Western Australia

Population change

Greater Perth increased by 81,300 people (3.6%), the rest of the state increased by 8,100 (1.4%).

The areas with the largest growth were:

  • Alkimos - Eglinton (up by 1,800 people) in Perth's outer north-west
  • Byford (1,600) in Perth's outer south-east
  • Brabham - Henley Brook (1,500) in Perth's outer north-east

The areas with the highest growth rates were:

  • Brabham - Henley Brook (12%)
  • Alkimos - Eglinton (11%)
  • Casuarina - Wandi (9.8%) in Perth's south

Components of population change

Net overseas migration (59,300 people) was the largest contributor to Greater Perth's population increase, followed by natural increase (11,300) and net internal migration (10,700).

  • Byford had the largest natural increase (330 people).
  • Alkimos - Eglinton had the largest net internal migration gain (1,100).
  • Bentley - Wilson - St James, to the south-east of Perth's city centre, had the largest net overseas migration gain (1,700). 

Centre of population

The centre for Western Australia:

  • was in the Avon Valley National Park at June 2023, 30 kilometres west of the town of Toodyay
  • moved 1.1 kilometres south-west over 2022-23, reflecting stronger growth in and around Greater Perth

The centre for Greater Perth: 

  • was in the suburb of Como at June 2023, near the banks of the Swan River
  • moved marginally over 2022-23, reflecting similar growth in Perth's north and south

Population density

The areas with the highest density at June 2023 were:

  • Perth (North) - Highgate (4,300 people per sq km), to the north of the city centre
  • East Perth (4,000), an inner suburb of Perth
  • Scarborough (3,900) in Perth's north-west

Tasmania

Population change

Greater Hobart increased by 1,200 people (0.5%), the rest of the state increased by 940 (0.3%).

The areas with the largest growth were:

  • Rokeby (up by 320 people) on the eastern shore of the River Derwent in Hobart
  • Kingston - Huntingfield (160) in Hobart's south
  • Sorell - Richmond (150) in Hobart's north-east

The areas with the highest growth rates were:

  • Rokeby (3.8%)
  • Austins Ferry - Granton (2.9%) in Hobart's north-west
  • Risdon Vale (2.8%) in Hobart's north

Components of population change

While net overseas migration (2,800 people) and natural increase (350) were positive contributors to Greater Hobart's population increase, net internal migration was negative (-2,000).

  • Rokeby had the largest natural increase (90 people) and the largest net internal migration gain (210). 
  • Sandy Bay, to the south of Hobart's city centre, had the largest net overseas migration gain (490).

Centre of population

The centre for Tasmania:

  • was in the rural locality of Steppes at June 2023, in the state's Central Highlands
  • moved 160 metres south-east over 2022-23, reflecting stronger growth in and around Greater Hobart 

The centre for Greater Hobart:

  • was just south of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens at June 2023, in the suburb of Queens Domain
  • moved marginally over 2022-23, reflecting relatively even growth across Hobart

Population density

The areas with the highest density at June 2023 all surrounded Hobart's central business district: 

  • West Moonah (2,400 people per sq km)
  • Moonah (2,000)
  • Sandy Bay (1,800)

Northern Territory

Population change

Greater Darwin increased by 1,600 people (1.1%), the rest of the territory increased by 720 (0.7%).

The areas with the largest growth were:

  • Palmerston - South (up by 550 people)
  • Lyons (180) on the northern fringe of Darwin
  • Berrimah (170), to the east of Darwin City

The areas with the highest growth rates were:

  • Berrimah (8.5%)
  • Palmerston - South (7.2%)
  • Mount Johns (3.1%) in Alice Springs

Components of population change

While net overseas migration (2,600 people) and natural increase (1,400) were positive contributors to Greater Darwin's population increase, net internal migration was negative (-2,400).

  • Palmerston - South had the largest natural increase (160 people) and the largest net internal migration gain (310).
  • Darwin City had the largest net overseas migration gain (370).

Centre of population

The centre for the Northern Territory:

  • was in the rural locality of Manbulloo at June 2023, 40 kilometres south-west of Katherine
  • moved 110 metres west over 2022-23, reflecting both stronger growth in some western suburbs of Greater Darwin and western areas in the rest of territory

The centre for Greater Darwin: 

  • was in Berrimah at June 2023, south of the Stuart Highway
  • moved 50 metres south-east over 2022-23, towards the fast-growing Palmerston area

Population density

The areas with the highest density at June 2023 were: 

  • Nightcliff (2,800 people per sq km) in Darwin's northern suburbs
  • Parap and Stuart Park (both 2,600), both inner suburbs of Darwin

Australian Capital Territory

Population change

The number of people living in the Australian Capital Territory increased by 9,700 (2.1%).

The areas with the largest growth were:

  • Taylor (up by 1,200 people) in Canberra's outer north
  • Denman Prospect (700) in Canberra's outer west
  • Strathnairn (530) in Canberra's outer north-west

The areas with the highest growth rates were: 

  • Strathnairn (50%)
  • Taylor (46%)
  • Denman Prospect (20%)

Components of population change

While net overseas migration (8,500) and natural increase (2,700 people) were positive contributors to Canberra's population increase, net internal migration was negative (-1,600).

  • Ngunnawal in Canberra's north had the largest natural increase (140 people).
  • Taylor had the largest net internal migration gain (1,100).
  • Belconnen town centre in Canberra's north-west had the largest net overseas migration gain (420).

Centre of population

The centre for the Australian Capital Territory:

  • was in Lake Burley Griffin at June 2023, south of Black Mountain 
  • moved 60 metres north over 2022-23, reflecting slightly stronger population growth in the northern suburbs

Population density

The areas with the highest density at June 2023 were: 

  • Kingston (5,100 people per sq km), on the south-eastern banks of Lake Burley Griffin
  • Braddon (5,000) in the inner north
  • inner-city Civic (3,600)

Interactive maps

The Australian population grid 2023 interactive map will be available from this page shortly.

On each map an area can be selected to view the underlying data. All data can be found in the Data downloads section of this publication.

Population change 2022-23 by Statistical Areas Level 2

This interactive map displays the percentage population change in Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2s) between 2022 and 2023. Percentage of population change is divided into 5 data classes: 

  • 3.0% or more (dark red)
  • 2.0% to less than 3.0% (light red)
  • 1.0% to less than 2.0% (dark orange)
  • 0.0% to less than 1.0% (light orange)
  • Decline (yellow)

The top 10 growth SA2s are also displayed with purple dots.

This map shows that the SA2s with the highest population growth rates in 2022-23 were generally on the outskirts of Australia's capital cities. The two SA2s with the highest growth rates were both in Canberra, with Strathnairn in the outer north-west, and Taylor in the outer north. Denman Prospect in Canberra's outer west also made the top 10. The remaining seven SA2s in the top 10 were in Sydney and Melbourne. Box Hill - Nelson and Marsden Park - Shanes Park in Sydney's outer north-west, and inner-city Ultimo had the highest growth rates in Sydney. For Melbourne, the areas with the highest growth rates were Fraser Rise - Plumpton, Tarneit - North and Rockbank - Mount Cottrell in the outer west, and Clayton (North) - Notting Hill in the south-east.

Accessibility statement: We are committed to providing information and services to the widest possible audience. We’ve designed this website to comply with the Australian Government Digital Service Standard and aim to meet the latest WCAG Guidelines which describe how to make web content more usable and accessible for everyone. However, some functions of this interactive map may be inaccessible, or difficult to use with assistive technology. All data underlying this map can be downloaded in table format from the Data downloads section of this publication. For further information or assistance, or to advise of accessibility issues with this product, please email client.services@abs.gov.au.

Population change 2022-23 by Local Government Areas

This interactive map displays the percentage population change in Local Government Areas (LGAs) between 2022 and 2023. Percentage of population change is divided into 5 data classes: 

  • 3.0% or more (dark red)
  • 2.0% to less than 3.0% (light red)
  • 1.0% to less than 2.0% (dark orange)
  • 0.0% to less than 1.0% (light orange)
  • Decline (yellow)

The top 10 growth LGAs are also displayed with purple dots.

This map shows that the LGAs with the highest population growth rates in 2022-23 were generally located in Australia's inner-cities or on the outskirts of the country's capitals. Inner-city LGAs in the top 10 were Melbourne and Yarra in Victoria, Perth, Peppermint Grove and Victoria Park in Western Australia, Adelaide in South Australia and Sydney in New South Wales. Outer-suburban LGAs to make the top 10 were Melton in Melbourne’s west, Serpentine-Jarrahdale in Perth’s south-east and Camden in Sydney’s south-west.

Accessibility statement: We are committed to providing information and services to the widest possible audience. We’ve designed this website to comply with the Australian Government Digital Service Standard and aim to meet the latest WCAG Guidelines which describe how to make web content more usable and accessible for everyone. However, some functions of this interactive map may be inaccessible, or difficult to use with assistive technology. All data underlying this map can be downloaded in table format from the Data downloads section of this publication. For further information or assistance, or to advise of accessibility issues with this product, please email client.services@abs.gov.au.

Geographic areas

The population change map uses Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) and 2023 Local Government Area (LGA) boundaries according to the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) Edition 3.

The population grid map uses a 1km x 1km grid for all of Australia based on the National Nested Grid Standard.

Data downloads

Data files

GeoPackages

Data files

Population grid files

Data files

Data Explorer datasets

Caution: Data Explorer can be problematic when trying to view and manipulate large datasets, such as SA2-based or LGA geographies released in this product. Please use the Excel data cubes provided above for these datasets. 

Data in Data Explorer is currently released after the 11:30am release on the ABS website. Please check the reference period when using Data Explorer.

Previous catalogue number

This release previously used catalogue number 3218.0.

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