Population Growth Trends in Australia from 1990 to 2023

In the early 1990s, Australia’s growth rate declined from 1.5% in 1990 to 0.9% in 1993 due to a recession, which slowed migration and natural population increase. Recovery followed in the mid-1990s as growth returned to around 1.1%-1.3%, reflecting policy adjustments to attract skilled migrants.

The late 2000s marked a peak period, with growth surging to 2.1% in 2009 as Australia’s economy remained resilient during the global financial crisis, positioning it as an attractive destination for immigrants. Post-crisis, growth rates stabilized between 1.4% and 1.7% through the 2010s, supported by continued migration and favorable economic conditions.

In 2021, growth dropped sharply to 0.1%, primarily due to COVID-19 restrictions that limited immigration and natural increase. However, by 2023, Australia experienced a substantial rebound to 2.4% as borders reopened and immigration resumed, highlighting the country’s dependence on migration for sustained population growth.