Publication Summary
Australia’s population was 27.3 million on 30 September 2024, 1.8 per cent higher than a year earlier. Population growth has slowed from the peak of 2.5 per cent recorded in the September 2023 quarter, primarily due to declining net overseas migration (NOM). NOM was 380,000 over the year to September 2024, and 90,000 in the September 2024 quarter. Due to declining migrant arrivals, annual NOM has eased since its peak of 556,000 in the year ending September 2023. However, NOM remains elevated compared with pre-pandemic levels. The peak of temporary migrant arrivals is yet to be reflected in higher departures. This is due to both the relatively recent arrival of many temporary migrants and some seeking to extend their stay by applying for further visas. Natural increase (births minus deaths) remained low at 104,000 over the year to September 2024, down 3,200 from one year earlier. The decrease was driven by more deaths over the year, offset by slightly higher births.