Historical population methodology

Latest release

Reference period

2021

Released

16/07/2024

Next release Unknown

Introduction

Historical Population contains a wide range of historical demographic data on a variety of topics dating back as far as possible.

Sources

Historical Population data have been compiled from a wide range of sources, including:

Colonial censuses, State censuses, Colonial Statistical Returns, and Colonial Statistical Registers
Australian Demography Bulletins produced by the Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics
Commonwealth censuses
ABS demography publications and collections

A summary of 19th century statistics collected by the colonial statistical bureaus can be found in the ABS publication Catalogue of Australian Statistical Publications, 1804 to 1901.

Early estimates of the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population have been compiled from ‘The Aboriginal Population of Australia’ by L.R. Smith (Australian National University Press for the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia, Canberra; 1980). More recent estimates have been compiled from the Census of Population and Housing, and other ABS demography collections.

Given that different sources often exist for the same data, minor discrepancies may exist between Historical Population and other sources. References to the sources used to compile the statistics in this publication are given at the bottom of each spreadsheet. Updated information may be available on the ABS website.

Colonies, states, and territories

The states and territories featured in these data describe both the post-Federation states and territories, and the various colonies that existed prior to Federation.

Tasmania, Victoria, and Queensland became independent from New South Wales in the years 1825, 1851, and 1859 respectively. Western Australia and South Australia came into existence in 1829 and 1836 respectively. The Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory came under the control of the Federal Government in 1911 and thus were no longer included in the estimates for South Australia and New South Wales respectively. While the Northern Territory was replaced by the territories of North Australia and Central Australia between 1 February 1927 and 11 June 1931, their populations were combined and described as 'Northern Territory' for the purposes of this publication.

Following the 1992 amendments to the ‘Acts Interpretation Act’, geographic Australia is considered to include the Indian Ocean Territories of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Population estimates have included these territories since the September quarter of 1993. To reflect this change, 'Other Territories' was created as a state- and territory-level category. ‘Other Territories’ include the Jervis Bay Territory (included in ACT estimates between 1915 and June quarter 1993), Christmas Island, and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. From 1 July 2016, 'Other Territories' also includes Norfolk Island following the introduction of the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015.

Population counts and estimates

In this publication, the term population refers to the counts of people in Australia, regardless of the method of measurement. Historical Population uses four measures of population: actual location Census counts, usual residence Census counts, population estimates, and the estimated resident population (ERP).

Actual location Census counts count all people in Australia according to their location on Census night. This method was used for national, state, and territory Census population estimates between 1901 and 1971. In contrast, usual residence Census counts report people based on their place of usual residence, regardless of their location on Census night. This has been the primary method for Census population estimates since 1971. These counts are subject to the scope of the Census. Temporary overseas visitors in Australia are excluded from usual residence data.

Early population estimates were obtained through colonial musters and, from 1828, a series of colonial censuses. The dates of these colonial censuses are shown in the following table.

Australian Censuses, 1828 to 1901
Year	NSW	Vic.	Qld	SA	WA	Tas.	NT	ACT	Australia
1828	Nov.	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
1833	2 Sep.	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
1836	2 Sep.	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
1841	2 Mar.	-	-	-	-	27 Sep.	-	-	-
1844	-	-	-	26 Feb.	-	-	-	-	-
1846	2 Mar.	-	-	26 Feb.	-	-	-	-	-
1847	-	-	-	-	-	31 Dec.	-	-	-
1848	-	-	-	-	10 Oct.	-	-	-	-
1851	1 Mar.	-	-	1 Jan.	-	1 Mar.	-	-	-
1854	-	26 Apr.(a)	-	-	30 Sep.	-	-	-	-
1855	-	-	-	31 Mar.	-	-	-	-	-
1856	1 Mar.	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
1857	-	29 Mar.	-	-	-	31 Mar.	-	-	-
1859	-	-	-	-	31 Dec.	-	-	-	-
1861	7 Apr.	7 Apr.	7 Apr.(a)	7 Apr.	-	7 Apr.	-	-	-
1864	-	-	1 Jan.	-	-	-	-	-	-
1866	-	-	-	26 Mar.	-	-	-	-	-
1868	-	-	2 Mar.	-	-	-	-	-	-
1870	-	-	-	-	31 Mar.	7 Feb.	-	-	-
1871	2 Apr.	2 Apr.	1 Sep.	2 Apr.	-	-	-	-	-
1876	-	-	1 May	26 Mar.	-	-	-	-	-
1881(b)	3 Apr.	3 Apr.	3 Apr.	3 Apr.	3 Apr.	3 Apr.	3 Apr.(c)	-	3 Apr.
1886	-	-	1 May	-	-	-	-	-	-
1891	5 Apr.	5 Apr.	5 Apr.	5 Apr.	5 Apr.	5 Apr.	5 Apr.	-	5 Apr.
1901	31 Mar.	31 Mar.	31 Mar.	31 Mar.	31 Mar.	31 Mar.	31 Mar.	(a)	31 Mar.

Included with NSW.
The first simultaneous census of all Australian colonies.
Included with SA for the 1866, 1871 and 1876 Censuses. The NT was transferred to the Commonwealth on 1 January 1911.

The first national Census was taken in 1911 (April 3), with further Censuses held in 1921 (April 4), 1933, 1947, 1954, and 1961 (June 30). Since 1961, Censuses have been conducted every five years. These were held on June 30 until 1986. Since 1991, Censuses have been held on August 6 (1991 and 1996), August 7 (2001), August 8 (2006), August 9 (2011 and 2016), and August 10 (2021).

Estimated resident population

Estimated resident population (ERP) is used to measure the population size. ERP was introduced following the 1981 Census with the methodological change from estimating population based on Census night location to place of usual residence. The 1976 and 1971 Census population estimates were recast using this methodology. The conceptual basis for using place of usual residence for population estimates is detailed in Information Paper: Population Concepts, 2008 and Population Estimates: Concepts, Sources and Methods, 2009. For further information on the 1981 methodological change, see Population Estimates: An Outline of the New Conceptual Basis of ABS Population Estimates, 1982.

For Census dates, ERP is derived from usual resident Census counts, estimated net Census undercount, and the estimated resident population temporarily overseas on Census night. Overseas visitors in Australia are excluded from this count.

From the Census base, ERP is updated quarterly by adding births, deaths, and net migration. After each Census, intercensal population estimates are revised to ensure that the total intercensal population increase over the period aligns with the difference between the adjacent Census-based ERPs.

Following the 2011 Census, ERP was recast data back to 1991. While previous ERPs changed, growth rates remained relatively consistent with previously published estimates. Unless otherwise indicated, statistics which use ERP as a denominator have also been revised back to 1991 in this publication. For further information, see Final Rebasing of Australia's Population Estimates, December Quarter 2012 and Recasting 20 Years of ERP.

Intercensal difference

Since July 1976, final intercensal difference has been recorded as a component of population change. Between July 1971 and June 1976, no intercensal difference exists due to the method used to recast estimated resident population after the 1981 Census. Prior to July 1971, intercensal difference was incorporated into the overseas and interstate migration components of population change. For further information, see Population Estimates: An Outline of the New Conceptual Basis of ABS Population Estimates, 1982.

Population distribution

Population estimates for each reference date are presented based on a consistent statistical geography, however caution must be exercised when comparing populations across time as they may be based on different boundaries. Refer to the footnotes for each table for more information about the statistical geography used in that table. For further information refer to the ABS Geography home page.

The regions specified in this publication are Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSAs), Significant Urban Areas (SUAs), Local Government Areas (LGAs), and urban and rural areas. GCCSAs represent the socioeconomic area of each of the eight state and territory capital cities. SUAs represent concentrations of urban development with populations of 10,000 people or more. LGAs are legally designated areas over which incorporated local governments have responsibility.

Urban and rural areas are as defined for the Census conducted on or near the reference date. In recent Censuses, urban and rural areas were based on the ABS Section of State structure, which aggregates Urban Centres and Localities on the basis of population ranges. Urban areas represent combinations of these urban centres while rural areas represent the rest of the country. Urban and rural areas were defined similarly in earlier Censuses.

Regional population estimates based on the concept of usual residence have been produced since the 1970s. Prior to this, population figures were calculated on an actual location concept. Estimates based on actual location are generally higher in areas which attract short-term migrants. This break in time series should be noted when comparing historical population estimates. For further information on regional population estimates, see Regional Population .

Births

Birth statistics are sourced from birth registration systems administered by state and territory registrars. The datasets are based upon data provided on a registration form completed by the parent(s) of the child.

Birth statistics refer to the live births registered during the calendar year and are presented based on the state or territory of usual residence of the mother, regardless of where in Australia the birth occurred or was registered. Prior to 1969, birth data are presented based on the state or territory of the birth's registration.

Estimated resident populations (ERPs) are used as denominators in the calculation of the fertility rates presented in this publication.

For further information, refer to Births, Australia | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au)

Deaths

Registration of deaths is the responsibility of the state and territory registrars. Information about the deceased is acquired from a Death Registration form (DRF) completed by the funeral director, based on information supplied by a relative or other person acquainted with the deceased, or by an official of the institution where the death occurred. As part of the registration process, information on the cause of death is either supplied by the medical practitioner certifying the death on a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) or supplied as a result of a coronial investigation. This information is supplied to the ABS by individual registrars for coding and compilation into aggregate statistics. Core data items are collected in all states and territories and therefore statistics at the national level are available for key characteristics. Some states collect additional information. For further information see Deaths, Australia | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au).

Unless otherwise indicated, death statistics refer to deaths registered during the calendar year shown. There is usually an interval between the occurrence and registration of a death (referred to as a registration 'lag'). As a result, some deaths occurring in one year are not registered until the following year or even later. This can be caused by either a delay in the submission of a completed form to the registry, or a delay by the registry in processing the death. Deaths which occur in November and December are also likely to be registered in the following year.

Death statistics prior to 1971 are presented based on state or territory of registration. From 1971, they are presented based on the state or territory of usual residence of the deceased, regardless of where in Australia the death occurred or was registered.

The ABS Death Registrations collection includes all deaths that occurred and were registered in Australia, including deaths of persons whose place of usual residence was overseas. Deaths of Australian residents that occurred outside Australia may be registered by individual Registrars, but are not included in ABS death statistics. However, deaths of identified Australian diplomats while overseas are included.

As deaths of Australian residents which took place overseas are not included in the statistics, deaths of Australian troops overseas in World War I are excluded. Similarly, Australian troops who died overseas during World War II are not included in death statistics, however they have been removed from the population estimates.

Life expectancy

Life expectancy statistics are calculated using life tables. A life table is a statistical model used to represent the mortality of a population. In its simplest form, a life table is generated from age-specific death rates and the resulting values are used to measure mortality, survivorship, and life expectancy.

Life tables are presented separately for males and females. The life table depicts the mortality experience of a hypothetical group of newborn babies throughout their lifetime. It is based on the assumption that this group is subject to the age-specific mortality rates of the reference period. Typically, this hypothetical group is 100,000 persons in size.

Life tables produced by the ABS since 1995 differ from those published prior to 1995 in a number of important respects:

They are based on three years of deaths and population data. This is intended to reduce the impact of year-to-year statistical variations, particularly at younger ages where there are small numbers of deaths, and at very old ages where the population is small.
The deaths and population data are based on Australian residents who are physically present in Australia over the three-year period i.e. Australian residents temporarily overseas are excluded as are deaths in Australia of overseas visitors.
They have been actuarially graduated on the same principles used for the quinquennial Australian life tables prepared by the Australian Government Actuary.
From 2012 a small refinement has also been made to bring Australia's mortality rates (qx values) into line with other comparable countries. For further information, see Life Expectancy | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au).

Survivorship rates are the proportion of the population described in life tables that survive until exact age, \(x+1\) (\(s_x\)). These rates are calculated from life table age-specific mortality rates, \(q_x\), which provide the probability of dying between age \(x\) and age \(x+1\). From \(q_x\), the probability of surviving between ages \(x\) and \(x+1\) (\(p_x\)) is given by \(1-q_x\). The equation to calculate survivorship at a specific age (\(s_x\)) applies the probabilistic chain rule to \(p_x\) through the equation:

\(s_{x}=p_{x}\times \left\{ p_{x-1}\times \left[p_{x-2}\times \left( \cdots \times p_{0} \right)\right]\right\}\) where,

\(s_x\) = the proportion of the population surviving until age, \(x+1\),

\(p_x\) = the probability of surviving the year \(x\) to \(x+1\),

\(p_{x-1}\) = the probability of surviving the year \(x-1\) to \(x\),

\(p_0\) = the probability of surviving the first year of life.

Overseas Arrivals and Departures (OAD)

OAD statistics include all recorded traveller movements across Australia's international border. The statistics report on the number of international border crossings rather than the number of people (i.e. multiple movements of an individual traveller during a given reference period are each counted separately). OAD statistics include the movements of all travellers regardless of their nationality, citizenship, or legal status.

OAD statistics exclude the movements of operational air and ships' crew, transit passengers who pass through Australia but are not cleared for entry (including some defence force personnel), and passengers on cruises commencing and finishing in Australia. These statistics also exclude undocumented arrivals or departures.

Administrative data collected and compiled by the Department of Home Affairs are used to compile OAD statistics. This is done using various processing systems, visa information, passport documents, and incoming passenger cards, under the authority of the Migration Regulations (Migration Act, 1958).

The monthly OAD publication focuses on information and analysis of short-term movements (i.e. less than one year), in particular short-term visitor arrivals (STVA) and short-term resident returns (STRR).

2017 review and break in series

Due to the removal of the Outgoing Passenger Card (OPC) by the Department of Home Affairs from 1 July 2017, the ABS undertook a review of its OAD statistics, methodology and processing systems. This provided an opportunity to consider alternative data sources and ways to make better use of a range of existing data collected by Home Affairs about Australia's international border crossings. For detailed information on the changes and improvements arising from the 2017 review of OAD statistics, see the History of changes section of Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia, methodology.

The review resulted in a break in series, necessitating a revised time series for OAD data from July 2007 to June 2017 based on the new methodology. Figures prior to June 2007 may not be strictly directly comparable to those which follow.

Overseas migration

Net Overseas Migration (NOM)

NOM estimates are the difference between the number of incoming travellers who are added to the population (overseas migrant arrivals) and the number of outgoing travellers who are subtracted from the population (overseas migrant departures ). The number of people counted in NOM is a small fraction of those who travel to or from Australia as most travellers undertake short trips such as holidays. To determine if a traveller is counted as an overseas migrant arrival or departure, the ABS uses the individual’s duration of presence in or out of Australia.

Recommendations published by the United Nations define an international migrant as "any person who changes his or her country of usual residence", and also state that "the change of country of usual residence necessary to become an international migrant must involve a period of stay in the country of destination of at least a year" (United Nations 1998, paras 32 & 36).

To estimate NOM, and thereby Australia's official estimated resident population (ERP), the ABS employs this concept of usual residence for all travellers who arrive in or depart Australia. A person arriving in Australia is added to the ERP counts if, by arriving in Australia, they are changing their country of usual residence from another country to Australia. The arrival will be counted as an overseas migrant arrival if they reside in Australia for a period of 12 months or more over a 16-month period after arriving. By the same method, a departing person changing their country of residence from Australia to another country is removed from the ERP counts as an overseas migrant departure.

Measuring the duration of presence in Australia or overseas over a 16-month period means the 12 months does not have to be continuous. For example, a person can leave Australia for a short period after their initial arrival and still be counted as an overseas migrant arrival. For more information see the section on “The 12/16 month rule” below.

NOM and ERP estimates include all people regardless of nationality, citizenship or legal status, who usually live in Australia, except for foreign diplomatic personnel and their families, and are based solely on duration of presence in Australia.

Sources of overseas migration data

Each month all overseas arrivals and departures (OAD) movement records are processed by the ABS to produce OAD statistics. This processed OAD data is then used to produce quarterly NOM estimates.

Statistics on OAD are published on a monthly basis in Overseas Arrivals and Departures, Australia.
Quarterly NOM estimates contribute to quarterly ERP and are released in National, state and territory population and in the annual Overseas Migration publication.

ABS statistics on overseas migration are mainly compiled using information from the Department of Home Affairs. All overseas movement records are stored on the Home Affairs' Travel and Immigration Processing System (TRIPS).

Each month all movement records are supplied by the Department of Home Affairs to the ABS for production of the OAD estimates. From July 2017, due to the removal of the outgoing passenger card, the ABS has also used Medicare enrolment data as a secondary source of State of residence information for Australian residents.

History of methods used for calculating NOM

Due to changes in the methods used to measure overseas migration estimates, caution should be used comparing them over time. This is especially so for estimates based on permanent and long-term movements from OAD compared to those using the '12/16 month rule' method. The table below describes the various methods used in Australia that have been applied to measuring overseas migration.

Historical methods used
Reference Period	Method Used
Prior to 1911	The difference between the total overseas arrival and departure movements (OAD).
Between 1911 and June 1933	The difference between the total overseas arrival and departure movements, with an intercensal adjustment applied to overseas departures(a).
July 1933 - June 1971	The difference between the total overseas arrival and departure movements, with an intercensal adjustment applied to the net migration figure(a).
July 1971 - June 1976	The difference between permanent and long-term arrival and departure movements(a).
July 1976 - June 1997	The difference between permanent and long-term arrival and departure movements, with 'Category jumping' adjustments applied(b).
Sept qtr 1997 - Jun qtr 2001	The difference between permanent and long-term arrival and departure movements, with no adjustments applied(c).
Sep qtr 2001 - Jun qtr 2006	The difference between permanent and long-term arrival and departure movements, with Migration adjustments applied, based at the aggregate level(d)(e).
Sep qtr 2006 - Jun qtr 2021	‘12/16 month rule’, based on actual duration of stay/absence, at the individual traveller level(f)(g)(h)(i)(j)(k).

The 12/16 month rule – from July 2006 onwards

The method used for estimating overseas migration employs the '12/16 month rule'. For the purposes of overseas migration, a person who is not already counted in the estimated resident population (ERP), is added to the ERP if they travel to Australia and remain present in Australia for 12 months or more (i.e., an overseas migrant arrival). Likewise, a person who is already counted in the ERP is removed from the population if they leave Australia for 12 months or more (i.e., an overseas migrant departure).

The 12-month duration does not have to be continuous and is measured over a 16-month period. The person determined to have migrated, is added or removed from the ERP from the date they arrived or departed, i.e., from the beginning of the 16-month calculation period.

To measure a traveller's actual duration of stay, arrivals and departures are sequenced to construct a traveller's movement history which is then used to measure durations of stay in and out of Australia.

Permanent and long-term movements – July 1971 – June 2006

From July 1971 – June 2006, NOM estimates were based on the number of recorded permanent and long-term overseas arrivals and departures. A number of adjustments were made to these figures from July 1976 onwards.

These mainly comprised adjustments designed to reflect differences between an individual's stated travel intentions (from the passenger card) and their actual recorded travel behaviour. ‘Category jumping’ was a measure of the discrepancy between movements recorded as short-term, long-term or permanent at the time of movement, and the category recorded at the completion of a journey. In addition, adjustments were also used to transform counts of overseas movements into counts of travellers. Combined, these were referred to as 'migration adjustments'. For more information refer to footnotes (d) and (e) in the ‘Historical methods used for calculating NOM’ table above.

Net total overseas movements – prior to July 1971

Prior to July 1971, overseas migration estimates were calculated as the total number of overseas arrivals recorded minus the total number of overseas departures recorded. This gave a net total overseas movements count and was used as the migration measure prior to July 1971.

From July 1911 – June 1933, an intercensal adjustment was applied, whereby the latest census count was accepted as the best estimate, and population figures were therefore adjusted to incorporate the discrepancies. Overseas migration was considered the least reliable component of population change at the time and the primary cause of the discrepancy, so the adjustment was applied to overseas departures.

From July 1933 – June 1971, the intercensal adjustment was applied to the net migration figure, instead of overseas departures.

War time

During World War I, troops leaving Australia were regarded as migrant departures, while those returning were regarded as migrant arrivals. This largely explains the record loss in 1916, and a large migration gain in 1919. During World War II, troop movements between September 1939 and June 1947 were excluded from calculations of overseas migration.

Country of birth

Country of birth classifications used by the ABS and preceding statistical agencies have changed over time. Tables presented in Australian Historical Population Statistics display the country of birth classifications in existence at the time of production of the data. For more detailed information on the most recent classification of countries, refer to the ABS publication Standard Australian Classification of Countries (SACC), 2016.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population

Estimates of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population were first produced by the ABS in 1994, in Experimental Estimates of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Population, 1986 to 1991. Estimates of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population based on the 2021 Census were released in Estimates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, and a time series of estimates and projections based on the 2021 Census is scheduled for release in 2024.

There are no accurate estimates of the population of Australia before European settlement. Many estimates were based on post-1788 observations of a population already reduced by introduced diseases and other factors. Smith (The Aboriginal Population of Australia (1980) by L.R. Smith, Australian National University Press for the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia, Canberra) estimated the absolute minimum pre-1788 population at 315,000. Other estimates put the figure at over one million people, while recent archaeological evidence suggests that a population of 750,000 could have been sustained.

Until 1967, section 127 of the Constitution required the exclusion of 'Aboriginal natives' from estimates of the population of Australia. 'Aboriginal natives' were interpreted as being people who had more than 50% Aboriginal 'blood'. This provision was repealed with the proclamation of the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginals) Act 1967 so that since 10 August 1967 population statistics were to officially include 'full-blooded' Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Some estimates were backdated to 1961. For further information see Population Issues, Indigenous Australians, 1996.

From the 1971 Census, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons have no longer been asked to state their degree of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. Since this time, in 1996 for example, the Census question has asked 'Is the person of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?'. Changing social attitudes, political developments, improvements in Census coverage and a broader definition of 'Aboriginal' and 'Torres Strait Islander' are likely to have contributed to the rapidly rising numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that have been recorded since 1971. For further information on increases in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population counts between Censuses, refer to Understanding change in counts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: Census, 2021.

Since 1981, all ABS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population statistics are based on responses to the ABS standard question for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identification, which is used in self-enumerated collections. The same Census question has been used to determine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status since the 1981 Census.

Accuracy and rounding

All data are affected by errors in reporting and processing. Registered births and deaths data are also affected by delays in registration. In this release, estimates and their components have sometimes been rounded. Both rounded and un-rounded figures should not be assumed to be accurate to the last digit shown, and no reliance should be placed on statistics with small values. In commentary based on the statistics in this release, it is recommended that the relevant statistics be rounded. Where figures have already been rounded, discrepancies may occur between sums of component items and totals.

Confidentiality

The Census and Statistics Act, 1905 provides the authority for the ABS to collect statistical information and requires that statistical output shall not be published or disseminated in a manner that is likely to enable the identification of a particular person or organisation. This requirement means that the ABS must take care and make assurances that any statistical information about individual respondents cannot be derived from published data.

Techniques used to guard against identification or disclosure of confidential information in statistical tables include suppression of sensitive cells and random adjustments to cells with very small values. Throughout this publication, different methods of confidentialisation have been used. In some cases, cell values have been suppressed and are not available for publication but are included in totals where applicable. In these cases, data may not sum to totals. Further information can be found on the ABS website.

Referencing these statistics

Where original sources are referred to:

(original source) as quoted in this publication, (year), Historical Population.

Otherwise refer to Historical Population:

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, (year), Historical Population.

Acknowledgments

ABS publications draw extensively on information provided freely by individuals, businesses, governments, and other organisations. Their continued cooperation is very much appreciated; without it, the wide range of statistics published by the ABS would not be available. Information received by the ABS is treated in strict confidence as required by the Census and Statistics Act, 1905

Glossary

Show all

12/16 month rule

Refers to the method used for estimating overseas migration from July 2006 onwards. The 12/16 month rule is based on a traveller’s actual duration of stay in our outside of Australia. For further information refer to ‘The 12/16 month rule – from July 2006 onwards’ section of the methodology.

Age-specific death rate

The Age-specific death rate (ASDR) is the number of deaths (registered) during the calendar year, at a specified age, per 1,000 of the estimated resident population (ERP) at the mid-point of the year (30 June). Pro rata adjustment is made in respect of deaths for which the age of the deceased is not given.

Age-specific fertility rates

Age-specific fertility rates (ASFRs) are the number of live births (registered) during the calendar year, according to the age of the mother, per 1,000 estimated resident population females of the same age at 30 June. For calculating these rates, births to mothers under 15 years are included in the 15-19 years age group, and births to mothers aged 50 years and over are included in the 45-49 years age group. Pro rata adjustment is made for births for which the age of the mother is not given.

Australian resident

For estimated resident population statistics, the Census year population estimates classify a person as an Australian resident if the person has (in the most recent Census) lived in Australia for one year or more.

Post-censal estimates, while based on the Census data, are updated with international migration data that classifies a person as an Australian resident if the person resides in Australia for a period of 12 months or more over a 16-month period.

Birth

The delivery of a child, irrespective of the duration of pregnancy, who, after being born, breathes or shows any evidence of life such as heartbeat.

Capital city

Refers to the Greater Capital City Statistical Areas of states and territories as defined in the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS): Volume 1 - Main Structure and Greater Capital City Statistical Areas

Category jumping

Category jumping is a measure of the discrepancy between movements recorded as short-term, long-term or permanent at the time of movement, and the category recorded at the completion of a journey. Category jumping has not been used since July 2006. For further information refer to footnote (b) in the ‘History of methods used for calculating NOM’ table.

Category of travel

Overseas arrivals and departures data are classified according to length of stay (in Australia or overseas), as recorded by travellers on passenger cards or derived with reference to previous border crossings. There are three main categories of movement and 10 sub-categories:

Permanent movement;

permanent arrival (PA)
permanent departure (PD) - only available prior to July 2007.

Long-term movement - has a duration of stay (or absence) of one year or more;

long-term resident returning (LTRR)
long-term visitor arrival (LTVA)
long-term resident departure (LTRD)
long-term visitor departure (LTVD).

Short-term movement - has a duration of stay (or absence) of less than one year;

short-term resident returning (STRR)
short-term visitor arrival (STVA)
short-term resident departure (STRD)
short-term visitor departure (STVD).

Census

The complete enumeration of a population at a point in time with respect to well-defined characteristics (e.g. persons). When the word is capitalised, "Census" usually refers to the national Census of Population and Housing.

Census count

The Census of Population and Housing enumerates persons based upon their location on Census Night. The Census also compiles information on people according to their place of usual residence. This means that Census counts can be produced according to location on Census Night or place of usual residence. Characteristics of households are based on persons usually residing in a dwelling.

Confinement

The labour period which results in at least one live birth.

Country of birth

Defined as the country in which a person was born.

Crude birth rate

The crude birth rate is the number of live births registered during the calendar year per 1,000 estimated resident population (ERP) at 30 June of that year.

Crude death rate

The crude death rate (CDR) is the number of deaths registered during the calendar year per 1,000 estimated resident population (ERP) at 30 June.

Death

The permanent disappearance of all evidence of life after birth has taken place. The definition excludes deaths prior to live birth. For the purposes of the Deaths and Causes of Death collections compiled by the ABS, a death refers to any death which occurs in, or en route to, Australia, and is registered with a state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Estimated resident population (ERP)

The official measure of the population of Australia is based on the concept of usual residence. It refers to all people, regardless of nationality, citizenship, or legal status, who have resided in Australia for at least 12 months over a 16 month period, with the exception of foreign diplomatic personnel and their families.

Estimates of the Australian resident population are generated quarterly by adding the natural increase and net overseas migration (NOM) which occurred during the relevant quarter to the population at the beginning of that quarter. This is known as the component method, and can be represented by the following equation for national ERP:

\(P_{t+1}=P_t+B-D+NOM\),

where,

\(P_t\) = the estimated resident population at time, \(t\)

\(P_{t+1}\) = the estimated resident population at time, \(t+1\)

\(B\) = the number of births occurring between \(t\) and \(t+1\)

\(D\) = the number of deaths occurring between \(t\) and \(t+1\)

\(NOM\) = net overseas migration occurring between \(t\) and \(t+1\)

For state and territory population estimates, net interstate migration (\(NIM\)) occurring during the quarter is incorporated, represented by the following equation:

\(P_{t+1}=P_t+B-D+NOM+NIM\)

External territories

Australian external territories include Australian Antarctic Territory, Coral Sea Islands Territory, Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands, and Territory of Heard and McDonald Islands.

Fertility

See Age-specific fertility rates and Total fertility rate.

Incoming passenger card

The incoming passenger card is completed by all travellers arriving in Australia. For further information see ‘Passenger card’ in this glossary.

Indigenous status

Indigenous status indicates whether a person identifies as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin. Indigenous status is reported (either by an individual or a person responding to a survey or Census on their behalf) in response to the question: 'Is the person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin? '

Infant death

The death of a live-born child who dies before reaching their first birthday.

Infant mortality rate

The number of deaths of children under one year of age in a specified period per 1,000 live births in the same period.

Intercensal difference

Intercensal difference is the discrepancy on the 30th of June in a Census year between the Census-based estimated population and the estimated population derived by adding the intercensal components of population change to the previous Census-based population. This difference can arise from unknown or incomplete births, deaths, and migration data. For further information, see Population Estimates: Concepts, Sources and Methods, 2009.

Interstate migration

The movement of people over a state or territory boundary involving a change in place of usual residence. Net interstate migration is the difference between arrivals and departures and can be either positive or negative.

Life expectancy

Life expectancy refers to the average number of additional years a person of a given age and sex could be expected to live, assuming current age-sex specific death rates are experienced throughout their lifetime.

Life table

A life table is a tabular, numerical representation of the mortality and survivorship of a cohort at each age of life. The conventional life table is based on the assumption that as the cohort passes through life, it experiences mortality at each age in accordance with a predetermined pattern of mortality rates which do not change from year to year. The life table thus constitutes a hypothetical model of mortality and, even though it is usually based upon death rates from a real population during a particular period of time, it does not describe the real mortality which characterises a cohort as it ages.

Due to differences in mortality patterns between males and females at different ages, life tables are generally constructed separately for each sex.

Life table functions

The mortality rate (\(q_x\)), is the main function of the life table in which all other functions are derived from. The life tables presented in this publication contain four columns of interrelated information. These functions are:

\(l_x\) - the number of persons surviving to exact age \(x\)
\(q_x\) - the mortality rate. The proportion of persons dying between exact age x and exact age \(x+1\)
\(L_x\) - the number of person years lived within the age interval \(x\) to \(x+1\)
\(e_x\) - life expectancy at exact age \(x\)

Local Government Area (LGA)

An ABS approximation of an officially gazetted LGA as defined by each state and territory local government department. LGAs cover incorporated areas of Australia, which are legally designated areas for which incorporated local governing bodies have responsibility. The major areas of Australia not administered by incorporated bodies are the northern parts of South Australia and all of the Australian Capital Territory and the Other Territories. These regions are identified as 'Unincorporated' in the Australian Statistical Geography Standard LGA structure.

For more information refer to Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS): Volume 3 - Non ABS Structures.

Long-term arrivals

Long-term arrivals comprise long-term visitor arrivals (LTVA) and long-term resident returns (LTRR).

Long-term departures

Long-term departures comprise long-term resident departures (LTRD) and long-term visitor departures (LTVD).

Major centre

See Significant Urban Area.

Median age

The median age is the age at which half the population is older and half is younger.

Migration

The movement of people across a specified boundary for the purpose of establishing a new or semi-permanent residence. Migration can be international (migration between countries) and internal (migration within a country).

Migration adjustment

Adjustments used to transform counts of overseas movements into counts of travellers. Combined with ‘category jumping’ adjustments, these were referred to as 'migration adjustments'. For more information refer to footnotes (d) and (e) in the ‘Historical methods used for calculating NOM’ table.

Mortality rate

Death rate.

Natural increase

The numerical difference between birth and death counts.

Net Overseas Migration (NOM)

Net overseas migration is the net gain or loss of population through overseas migration to and from Australia and is calculated as:

NOM = overseas migrant arrivals – overseas migrant departures

For further information see the ‘Net Overseas Migration (NOM)’ section of the methodology.

Net reproduction rate

The net reproduction rate represents the average number of daughters that would be born to a group of females if they are subject to the fertility and mortality rates of a given year during their future life. It indicates the extent to which the population would reproduce itself. The net reproduction rate is obtained by multiplying the age-specific birth rates (for female births only) by the proportion of survivors at corresponding ages in a life table and adding the products.

Net undercount

The difference between the Census count (including imputations) and an estimate of the number of people who should have been counted in the Census. This estimate is based on the Post Enumeration Survey, which is conducted after each Census.

For a category of person (e.g. based on age, sex, and state of usual residence), net undercount is the result of Census undercount, overcount, misclassification, and imputation error.

Other territories

Following the 1992 amendments to the Acts Interpretation Act to include the Indian Ocean Territories of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands as part of geographic Australia, an additional category at the state and territory level was created, known as Other Territories. From 1 July 2016, the Australian Government assumed responsibility for Norfolk Island. Other Territories includes Jervis Bay Territory, previously included with the Australian Capital Territory, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Norfolk Island.

Outgoing passenger card

The outgoing passenger card was completed by all travellers departing Australia. The outgoing passenger card was removed in July 2017. For further information see the ‘2017 review and break in series’ section of the methodology.

Overseas arrivals and departures (OAD)

Overseas arrivals and departures (OAD) refer to the recorded arrival or departure of persons through Australian air or sea ports (excluding operational air and ships' crew). Statistics on OAD relate to the number of movements of travellers rather than the number of travellers (i.e. the multiple movements of individual persons during a given reference period are all counted).

Overseas migrant arrivals

Incoming international travellers who stay in Australia for 12 months or more over a 16-month period, who were not counted within the population, and are then added to the population.

Overseas migrant departures

Outgoing international travellers who leave Australia for 12 months or more over a 16-month period, who were counted within the population, and are then subtracted from the population.

Passenger card

Passenger cards are completed by nearly all passengers arriving in Australia. Information including: country of previous residence, intended length of stay, main reason for journey, and state or territory of intended stay/residence is collected. An example of the current Australian passenger card is provided under 'Passenger card images' in methodology page for Overseas Arrivals and Departures.

Permanent and long-term movements

From July 1971 to June 2006, overseas migration estimates were based on the number of recorded permanent and long-term overseas arrivals and departures. For further information refer to ‘Permanent and long-term movements – July 1971 – June 2006’ section of the methodology.

Permanent arrivals

Permanent arrivals include:

travellers who arrive on a permanent migrant visa for the first time;
New Zealand citizens who indicate for the first time an intention to migrate permanently; and
those who are otherwise eligible to settle (e.g. overseas born children of Australian citizens).

Population growth

Population growth is the population change over a period. For Australia, population growth is the sum of natural increase and net overseas migration. For states and territories, population growth also includes net interstate migration. For intercensal years, population growth is rebased to include the growth component intercensal difference.

Population growth rate

Population change over a period as a proportion (percentage) of the population at the beginning of the period.

Rebasing of population estimates

After each Census, the ABS uses undercount-adjusted usual residence Census counts to construct a new population baseline at the 30th of June of the Census year. This population estimate is referred to as the population base for the applicable Census.

Rebasing refers to the process by which the ABS uses this base to update population estimates made during the most recent intercensal period. For further information on rebasing to the 2021 Census, see Methodology used in rebased population estimates, June 2021

Recasting of population estimates

The recasting of ERP was a one-off process undertaken during the rebasing of intercensal population estimates to the 2011 Census. The decision to recast historical ERP data from September 1991 to June 2006 was in response to the unusually high preliminary intercensal difference. This resulted from a change in the methodology used to estimate undercount in the 2011 Census. For further information, see Final Rebasing of Australia's Population Estimates, December Quarter 2012 and Recasting 20 Years of ERP.

Reproductive lifetime

Women's childbearing years, usually assumed as the ages from 15 to 49 years for the purpose of analysis. In this release, births to women less than 15 years are included in the 15-19 years age group and those 50 years and older are included in the 45-49 years age group.

Residents temporarily overseas (RTO)

Residents temporarily overseas are outgoing international travellers (Australian residents and long-term visitors to Australia) who are currently counted within the population and who leave Australia for less than 12 months over a 16-month period.

Rest of state

Within each state and territory, the area not defined as being part of the Greater Capital City Statistical Area is represented by a Rest of state region.

Sex ratio

The sex ratio relates to the number of males per 100 females in a population.

Short-term arrivals

Short-term arrivals comprise of short-term visitor arrivals (STVA) and short-term resident returns (STRR).

Short-term departures

Short-term departures comprise of short-term resident departures (STRD) and short-term visitor departures (STVD).

Significant Urban Area (SUA)

Represent individual Urban Centres or clusters of related Urban Centres with a core urban population over 10,000 people. They can also include related peri-urban areas, satellite development, the area into which the urban development is likely to expand, and nearby rural land.

Standardised death rate (SDR)

Standardised death rates enable the comparison over time and between jurisdictions by controlling for the impact of different age structures by relating them to a standard population. SDRs are expressed per 1,000 or 100,000 persons. The direct method used for calculating SDRs in this release is used when the populations under study are large and the age-specific death rates are reliable. It is the overall death rate that would have prevailed in the standard population if it had experienced at each age the death rates of the population under study.

State or territory of registration

The state or territory in which the event (e.g. birth or death) was registered.

State or territory of usual residence

State or territory of usual residence refers to the residence of:

the population (estimated resident population)
the mother (births data)
the deceased (deaths data)
the person who has migrated (overseas migration)

Survivorship rate

A survivorship rate is the proportion of a population that survives until an exact age. It is calculated from the \(q_x\) values found in life tables.

Total fertility rate (TFR)

The sum of age-specific fertility rates (live births at each age of mother per female population of that age) divided by 1,000. It represents the number of children a female would bear during her lifetime if she experienced current age-specific fertility rates at each age of her reproductive life (ages 15 - 49).

Usual residence

The address in which a person usually lives or intends to live

Year of occurrence

The year the event occurred (e.g. birth or death).

Year of registration

The year the event was registered (e.g. birth or death)

Abbreviations

Show all

A	Area
ABS	Australian Bureau of Statistics
AC	Aboriginal Council
ACT	Australian Capital Territory
ASDR	age-specific death rate
ASFR	age-specific fertility rate
ASGS	Australian Statistical Geography Standard
A T	Antarctic Territory
Aust.	Australia
B	Borough
Bonaire/SE/Saba	Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
Bosnia/Herzegov	Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brit	British
cat. no.	catalogue number
Census	Census of Population and Housing
Cent Africa Rep	Central African Republic
Dem Rep	Democratic Republic
Emir	Emirates
Excl.	excluding
ERP	estimated resident population
E T	External Territories
Fr.	France
Fmr Y’slav Rep	Former Yugoslav Republic
FYR	Former Yugoslav Republic
FYROM	Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Gaza Str/W Bank	Gaza Strip and West Bank
GCCSA	Greater Capital City Statistical Area
GDR & GFR	German Democratic Republic and German Federal Republic
GFC	Global Financial Crisis
incl.	including
Is.	Island(s)
LGA	local government area
M	Municipality/Municipal Council
Micronesia, F S	Micronesia, Federated States of
N Mariana Is	Northern Mariana Islands
nec	not elsewhere classified
nei	not elsewhere included
nfd	not further defined
NIM	net interstate migration
no.	number
NOM	net overseas migration
NSW	New South Wales
NT	Northern Territory
N'thern Ireland	Northern Ireland
OAD	overseas arrivals and departures
OT	Other Territories
PNG	Papua New Guinea
Poly	Polynesia
Qld.	Queensland
R	Regional Council
RC	Rural City
RD	Road District
RegC	Regional Council
Rep	Republic
S	Shire
S America	South America
S & E Afr	Southern and East Africa
SA	South Australia
SACC	Standard Australian Classification of Countries
Sao Tome/Princ	Sao Tome and Principe
SDR	standardised death rate
Sint Maarten Dp	Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
Sp North Africa	Spanish North Africa
St	Saint
St Pierre/Mique	Saint Pierre and Miquelon
St Vinc/Grenad	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
SUA	significant urban area
T	Town
Tas.	Tasmania
TFR	total fertility rate
Unit Arab Emir	United Arab Emirates
US	United States of America
USA	United States of America
USSR	Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Vic.	Victoria
WA	Western Australia

I-Notes - data cubes

Show all

Historical Population consists of 10 data cubes.

Various concepts, sources, and methods have changed over time. This may affect the consistency of the data. Where applicable, important changes have been noted in the footnotes contained in the individual spreadsheets.

At the time of publication, these data cubes contained the most recently published ABS data up to June 2021. More up-to-date data will be available from the ABS website – please see the individual ABS Demography publications listed as sources at the bottom of each spreadsheet.

Below is a complete list of tables included in the 2021 update of Historical Population:

1. Population size and growth

Table 1 Population by sex, states and territories, 31 December, 1788 onwards
Table 2 Population by sex, states and territories, 30 June, 1901 onwards
Table 3 Population and components of change (no.), states and territories, year ended 30 June, 1971 onwards
Table 4 Population and components of change (%), states and territories, year ended 30 June, 1972 onwards
Table 5 Annual population growth (no.) by sex, states and territories, year ended 31 December, 1789 onwards
Table 6 Annual population growth (%) by sex, states and territories, year ended 31 December, 1789 onwards
Table 7 Annual population growth (no.) by sex, states and territories, year ended 30 June, 1902 onwards
Table 8 Annual population growth (%) by sex, states and territories, year ended 30 June, 1902 onwards

2. Population age and sex by structure

Table 1 Population, age and sex, Australia, 30 June, 1901 onwards
Table 2 Population, age and sex, NSW, 1833 – 1836
Table 3 Population, age and sex, NSW, 1841 – 1846
Table 4 Population, age and sex, NSW, 1861 - 1891
Table 5 Population, age and sex, NSW, 30 June, 1901 onwards
Table 6 Population, age and sex, Vic., 1861 - 1891
Table 7 Population, age and sex, Vic., 30 June, 1901 onwards
Table 8 Population, age and sex, Qld, 1861 - 1891
Table 9 Population, age and sex, Qld, 30 June, 1901 onwards
Table 10 Population, age and sex, SA, 1861 - 1891
Table 11 Population, age and sex, SA, 30 June, 1901 onwards
Table 12 Population, age and sex, WA, 1861
Table 13 Population, age and sex, WA, 1871 - 1891
Table 14 Population, age and sex, WA, 30 June, 1901 onwards
Table 15 Population, age and sex, Tas., 1841 and 1842
Table 16 Population, age and sex, Tas., 1861 - 1891
Table 17 Population, age and sex, Tas., 30 June, 1901 onwards
Table 18 Population, age and sex, NT, 30 June, 1911 onwards
Table 19 Population, age and sex, ACT, 30 June, 1911 onwards
Table 20 Median age by sex, states and territories, 30 June, 1861 onwards
Table 21 Sex ratio, states and territories, 31 December, 1796 onwards
Table 22 Sex ratio, states and territories, 30 June, 1901 onwards

3. Population distribution

Table 1 Population, capital city and rest of state, states and territories, 30 June 1901 onwards
Table 2 Population, major centres, 30 June 1911 onwards
Table 3 Population, Significant Urban Areas (SUAs), 30 June, 2001 onwards
Table 4 Population (no.), urban and rural areas, states and territories, 30 June 1911 onwards
Table 5 Population (%), urban and rural areas, states and territories, 30 June, 1911 onwards
Table 6 Population, Local Government Areas (LGAs), 3 April 1911
Table 7 Population, Local Government Areas (LGAs), 30 June 1933
Table 8 Population, Local Government Areas (LGAs), 30 June 1954
Table 9 Population, Local Government Areas (LGAs), 30 June 1966
Table 10 Population, Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Canberra regions, 30 June 1981
Table 11 Population, Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Canberra regions, 30 June 1996
Table 12 Population, Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Canberra regions, 30 June 2006
Table 13 Population, Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Canberra regions, 30 June 2016
Table 14 Population, Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Canberra regions, 30 June 2021

4. Births

Table 1 Births registered by sex, states and territories, 1824 onwards
Table 2 Age-specific fertility rates and total fertility rate, states and territories, 1947 onwards
Table 3 Age-specific fertility rates and total fertility rate, Australia, 1921 onwards
Table 4 Crude birth rates, states and territories, 1860 onwards
Table 5 Net reproduction rates, states and territories, 1976 onwards
Table 6 Net reproduction rates, Australia, 1930 onwards
Table 7 Median age of mother, all confinement, states and territories, 1975 onwards
Table 8 Median age of mother, all confinements, Australia, 1921 onwards
Table 9 Median age of mother, first confinement, states and territories, 1975 onwards
Table 10 Births registered by nuptiality, by states and territories of usual residence, 1975 onwards

5. Deaths

Table 1 Deaths registered by sex, states and territories, 1824 onwards
Table 2 Infant deaths, states and territories, 1901 onwards
Table 3 Infant deaths by sex, states and territories, 1971 onwards
Table 4 Standardised death rates by sex, states and territories, 1971 onwards
Table 5 Infant mortality rates, states and territories, 1901 onwards
Table 6 Infant mortality rates by sex, states and territories, 1974 onwards
Table 7 Crude death rates by sex, states and territories, 1860 onwards
Table 8 Deaths registered by sex, age (single years), Australia, 1964 onwards

6. Life expectancy

Table 1 Life expectancy at birth by sex, states and territories, 1881 onwards
Table 2 Life expectancy at single ages (ex), males, Australia, 1881 onwards
Table 3 Number of persons at exact age x (lx), males, Australia, 1881 onwards
Table 4 Number of person years lived between age x and age x+1 (Lx), males, Australia, 1881 onwards
Table 5 Probability of dying between exact age x and exact age x+1 (qx), males, Australia, 1881 onwards
Table 6 Life expectancy at single ages (ex), females, Australia, 1881 onwards
Table 7 Number of persons at exact age x (lx), females, Australia, 1881 onwards
Table 8 Number of person years lived between age x and age x+1 (Lx), females, Australia, 1881 onwards
Table 9 Probability of dying between exact age x and exact age x+1 (qx), females, Australia, 1881 onwards

7. Migration

Table 1 Net overseas migration, states and territories, year ended 30 June, 1972 onwards
Table 2 Interstate migration, arrivals and departures, states and territories, year ended 31 December, 1972 onwards
Table 3 Interstate migration, arrivals and departures, states and territories, year ended 30 June, 1982 onwards
Table 4 Net interstate and overseas migration, states and territories, year ended 31 December, 1860 onwards
Table 5 Net interstate and overseas migration rate, states and territories, year ended 31 December, 1860 onwards
Table 6 Net interstate and overseas migration, states and territories, year ended 30 June, 1982 onwards
Table 7 Net interstate and overseas migration rate, states and territories, year ended 30 June, 1982 onwards

8. Country of birth

Table 1 Population, sex and country of birth, NSW, Census years 1846 - 1891
Table 2 Population, sex and country of birth, Vic., Census years, 1854 - 1891
Table 3 Population, sex and country of birth, Qld, Census years, 1861 - 1891
Table 4 Population, sex and country of birth, SA, Census years, 1861 - 1891
Table 5 Population, sex and country of birth, WA, Census years, 1859 - 1891
Table 6 Population, sex and country of birth, Tas., Census years, 1870 - 1891
Table 7 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1901 Census
Table 8 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1911 Census
Table 9 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1921 Census
Table 10 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1933 Census
Table 11 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1947 Census
Table 12 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1954 Census
Table 13 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1961 Census
Table 14 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1966 Census
Table 15 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1971 Census
Table 16 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1976 Census
Table 17 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1981 Census
Table 18 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1986 Census
Table 19 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1991 Census
Table 20 Population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, 1996 Census
Table 21 Estimated resident population, sex and country of birth, Australia, 30 June, 1997 - 2000
Table 22 Estimated resident population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, Australia, 30 June, 2001
Table 23 Estimated resident population, sex and country of birth, Australia, 30 June, 2002 - 2005
Table 24 Estimated resident population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, Australia, 30 June, 2006
Table 25 Estimated resident population, sex and country of birth, Australia, 30 June, 2007 - 2010
Table 26 Estimated resident population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, Australia, 30 June, 2011
Table 27 Estimated resident population, sex and country of birth, Australia, 30 June, 2012 - 2015
Table 28 Estimated resident population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, Australia, 30 June, 2016
Table 29 Estimated resident population, sex and country of birth, Australia, 30 June, 2017-2020
Table 30 Estimated resident population, sex and country of birth, states and territories, Australia, 30 June, 2021

9. Overseas arrivals and departures

Table 1 Overseas arrivals and departures, sex and category of movement, year ended 31 December, 1925 onwards
Table 2 Overseas arrivals and departures, sex and category of movement, year ended 30 June, 1976 onwards
Table 3 Overseas arrivals and departures, short-term movement, states and territories, year ended 30 June, 1976 onwards
Table 4 Overseas arrivals and departures, total movement, sex and states and territories, year ended 31 December, 1901 onwards
Table 5 Overseas arrivals and departures, total movement, sex and states and territories, year ended 30 June, 1976 onwards

10. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population

Table 1 Minimum estimates of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, states and territories, 1788 - 1971
Table 2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Census counts and official estimates, states and territories, 1836 onwards
Table 3 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Census counts and Estimated Resident Population, states and territories, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021
Table 4 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 1986 (1986 Census based)
Table 5 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 1991 (1991 Census based)
Table 6 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 1996 (1996 Census based)
Table 7 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 1991 (2001 Census based)
Table 8 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 1996 (2001 Census based)
Table 9 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 2001 (2001 Census based)
Table 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 1996 (2006 Census based)
Table 11 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 2001 (2006 Census based)
Table 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 2006 (2006 Census based)
Table 13 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 2001 (2011 Census based)
Table 14 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 2006 (2011 Census based)
Table 15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 2011 (2011 Census based)
Table 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 2016 (2016 Census based)
Table 17 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, age and sex, states and territories, 30 June 2021 (2021 Census based)

APA

Historical population methodology

APA

Introduction

Sources

Colonies, states, and territories

Population counts and estimates

Estimated resident population

Intercensal difference

Population distribution

Births

Deaths

Life expectancy

Overseas Arrivals and Departures (OAD)

2017 review and break in series

Overseas migration

Net Overseas Migration (NOM)

Sources of overseas migration data

History of methods used for calculating NOM

The 12/16 month rule – from July 2006 onwards

Permanent and long-term movements – July 1971 – June 2006

Net total overseas movements – prior to July 1971

War time

Country of birth

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population

Accuracy and rounding

Confidentiality

Referencing these statistics

Acknowledgments

Glossary

Show all

12/16 month rule

Age-specific death rate

Age-specific fertility rates

Australian resident

Birth

Capital city

Category jumping

Category of travel

Census

Census count

Confinement

Country of birth

Crude birth rate

Crude death rate

Death

Estimated resident population (ERP)

External territories

Fertility

Incoming passenger card

Indigenous status

Infant death

Infant mortality rate

Intercensal difference

Interstate migration

Life expectancy

Life table

Life table functions

Local Government Area (LGA)

Long-term arrivals

Long-term departures

Major centre

Median age

Migration

Migration adjustment

Mortality rate

Natural increase

Net Overseas Migration (NOM)

Net reproduction rate

Net undercount

Other territories

Outgoing passenger card

Overseas arrivals and departures (OAD)

Overseas migrant arrivals

Overseas migrant departures

Passenger card

Permanent and long-term movements

Permanent arrivals

Population growth

Population growth rate