What is the current population growth rate for Australia and its underlying market, the S&P/ASX 200?

Australia’s total population reached 27.9 million people in the 12 months to 31 March, expanding the domestic economic base for the S&P/ASX 200 by 1.4%. This reflects a total national increase of 392,700 residents compared to the same period in 2025.

How is net overseas migration contributing to the national population tracked alongside the S&P/ASX 200?

Net overseas migration added 292,100 residents to the economy represented by the S&P/ASX 200 during the 12-month period. This figure represents a decline from the 309,500 people added through overseas migration in the previous year.

What are the natural increase figures for the economy impacting the S&P/ASX 200?

Natural population increase added 100,600 people to the domestic market of the S&P/ASX 200 over the 12 months to 31 March. This expansion was driven by a 0.3 per cent rise in births and a 3.1 per cent increase in deaths.

What does the state-level data show for regional growth affecting the S&P/ASX 200?

Western Australia led the nation with a 2.1% population expansion, making it the fastest-growing regional market for companies on the S&P/ASX 200. Victoria followed with a 1.6% increase, while Tasmania recorded the slowest national growth at 0.6%.

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Australia population grows 1.4% to 27.9M in March

Q: Why is the government monitoring migration levels in relation to the broader S&P/ASX 200 market?

The Australian government stated it continues to monitor migration levels to balance workforce demands with housing supply and regional infrastructure capacity, which indirectly impacts the S&P/ASX 200.

Written by Liezl GambePublished Sep 17, 2026, 2:42 AM

Australia's total population reached 27.9 million people in March after expanding by 1.4% over 12 months.
Net overseas migration added 292,100 residents to the nation, while natural increase contributed 100,600 people.
Western Australia recorded the fastest annual population expansion in the country at 2.1%.

Australia's population rose by 1.4% to hit 27.9 million people in the 12 months to March 31, according to official data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The national growth rate of 392,700 people compares with net overseas migration adding 309,500 people to the country in the previous 12-month period.

"Our population was 27.9 million people at March 31; that's 392,700 more than the same time in 2025," said ABS Head of Population Statistics Bjorn Jarvis.

Net overseas migration accounted for 292,100 of the total increase, while natural increase added 100,600 people through birth and death increases of 0.3% and 3.1%, respectively.

State-level data showed Western Australia led national growth at 2.1%, followed by Victoria at 1.6% and Tasmania at a nation-low 0.6% rise.

The Australian government continues to monitor migration levels to balance workforce demands with housing supply and regional infrastructure capacity.

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