Australia's population reached 27.7 million in the year to September 2025, growing 1.6 per cent as net overseas migration added 311,000 people.
The City Desk is a contributing writer covering city and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
Australia's population reached 27.7 million in the year to September 2025, growing by 1.6 per cent as net overseas migration added 311,000 people. The Australian Bureau of Statistics figures confirm migration remains the dominant driver of population growth, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the increase.
Natural increase, the number of births minus deaths, added 112,600 people. Over the four years to September, net overseas migration accounted for 78 per cent of Australia's 2.02 million population expansion, with temporary visa holders forming the majority of arrivals.
Western Australia recorded the fastest state growth at 2.2 per cent, followed by Victoria and Queensland at 1.7 per cent each. New South Wales grew by 1.2 per cent, adding 105,600 people to reach 8.62 million. Tasmania had the slowest growth at 0.3 per cent.
The population growth rate sits on par with the 20-year average but remains well above the federal government's 2025 Population Statement, which projected 1.3 per cent growth for the 2025-26 financial year. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia's population grew to 27.7 million, with 423,600 more people than in September 2024.
Net overseas migration has fallen from its September 2023 peak of 556,000 but remains well above the pre-pandemic average of about 230,000 arrivals each year. The 2026-27 Budget maintains the permanent migration program at 185,000 places, with a 70/30 skilled-to-family split unchanged from prior years.
The government's net overseas migration estimates for this financial year rose to 295,000 from the previous expectation of 260,000. Migration is expected to fall in coming years, with net overseas migration projected to reach 225,000 by 2027-28.
The continued population growth places sustained pressure on Australia's housing market. CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless noted the population increase was "12 per cent above the decade average but 36 per cent down on the post COVID high." The ongoing demand and supply mismatch should help to keep a floor under housing prices, even as affordability constraints and higher mortgage rates present headwinds.
Around 3 million temporary residents are now included in Australia's official population figures, according to Sustainable Population Australia. The organisation notes that over one million people hold student visas, all of whom require housing and access to infrastructure.
For more on population and housing policy, see the City and Property & Suburbs sections.
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