What is the main reason for the latest population growth in Australia?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that the population grew because net overseas migration added 301,000 people and a natural increase added 111,500 people.

What are the specific financial and data tracking changes introduced by the agency?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics introduced two feature articles designed to clarify the tracking of national demographic data.

How is the total headcount increase broken down by components?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the total headcount grew by 412,500 people, driven by 301,000 net overseas migrants and a 111,500 natural increase.

What is the timeline for these demographic measurements?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics measured these demographic changes over a strict 12-month timeline concluding in December 2025.

What does the geographic data mean for state population impacts?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows distinct geographic impacts, with Western Australia recording the fastest annual population growth rate at 2.2%.

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Australian population grows to 27.8 million

Written by Brie CarterPublished Jun 18, 2026, 2:24 AM

Australia's population increased to 27.8 million people during the 12 months leading into December 2025.
Net overseas migration added 301,000 people to the population, while natural increase contributed 111,500 people.
The state led the nation with a 2.2% population increase, while Tasmania recorded the slowest growth at 0.5%.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that Australia's population increased by 1.5% to reach 27.8 million people in the 12 months to December 2025.

The growth represents an increase of 412,500 people compared to the population recorded in December 2024.

"Our population grew to 27.8 million, with 412,500 more people than in December 2024," said ABS head of demography Beidar Cho.

The total growth was driven by a net overseas migration gain of 301,000 people and a natural increase of 111,500 people, with births rising by 3.6% and deaths increasing by 0.1%.

The ABS stated that the data release includes supplementary articles clarifying the measurements of overseas arrivals and the total population present within the country.

The demographic data showed distinct regional variations, with Western Australia expanding its population by 2.2% while Tasmania grew by 0.5% over the same 12-month period.