Explore Australia’s population growth in 2025, driven by interstate migration and net overseas arrivals. Discover where people are moving, from Queensland’s boom to Tasmania’s slowdown, with ABS data on rankings and trends.
Introduction
Australia’s population hit 27.5 million in March 2025, up 1.6% from the previous year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Net overseas migration fueled 75% of this growth, adding 315,900 people, while natural increase contributed 107,400. Yet, internal migration trends reveal a shifting landscape: Queensland and Western Australia lead gains, drawing families and workers seeking affordability and jobs, while New South Wales faces outflows. This population comparison of Australian states highlights where Australians are moving in 2025, driven by cost of living relocation and lifestyle migration. Understanding these patterns helps individuals, businesses, and policymakers navigate change.
Current Population Rankings Across Australian States
Australia’s states vary widely in size and growth, with New South Wales holding the top spot at over 8.5 million residents as of March 2025, followed closely by Victoria at 7 million. Queensland ranks third with 5.5 million, bolstered by its migration boom, while Western Australia’s 3 million milestone underscores its rapid ascent. South Australia maintains 1.8 million, Tasmania lags at 576,000 with minimal increase, the Northern Territory stands at 250,000, and the Australian Capital Territory reaches 460,000.
These Australian state population rankings 2025 reflect uneven distribution: capital cities house 68% of residents, up from 65% three decades ago, as urban opportunities pull people inward. ABS population data 2025 shows quarterly growth of 0.5% nationally, but states like Western Australia surged 2.3%, adding 63,000 people annually through mining jobs and housing affordability. In contrast, Tasmania’s 0.2% rise signals challenges in retaining youth amid rising costs. Projections from the Centre for Population forecast national growth slowing to 1.4% annually, yet states like Queensland could hit 6 million by 2027 if trends hold. This snapshot underscores how economic hubs reshape demographics, with implications for housing, services, and infrastructure.
Drivers of Interstate Migration in 2025
Interstate migration Australia continues to evolve, with 371,000 moves recorded in the year to March 2025, down 3.7% from prior levels but still shaping population shifts. Net migration by state Australia highlights Queensland’s dominance, gaining 24,000 residents through a mix of sea change and tree change lifestyles—coastal escapes and inland retreats appealing to remote workers. Western Australia followed with 11,700 net interstate arrivals, fueled by resources sector demand and Perth’s 3.1% capital growth rate.
Internal migration trends Australia reveal outflows from high-cost states: New South Wales lost 31,000, as Sydney’s housing pressures push families northward. Victoria shed 18,000, despite Melbourne’s 142,600 overall gain from overseas inflows. South Australia’s net loss of 5,000 reflects balanced but subdued movement, while Tasmania’s 2,000 outflow marks a post-pandemic reversal. Remote work migration trends Australia amplify this, with 368,000 total interstate moves in 2023-24—21% below 2019 peaks—yet regional vs capital city migration Australia shows a 31,000 net shift to regions, up 4.5%.
Australian census migration patterns, informed by tax and Medicare data, point to lifestyle factors: 43% of moves cite work, but family and affordability rank high. Cost of living relocation Australia drives 180,000-200,000 annual shifts, per removalist data, with Brisbane and Melbourne emerging as hotspots. These flows, totaling 75% migration-driven growth nationally, strain urban services but boost regional economies.
Spotlight on Queensland’s Migration Boom and Other State Dynamics
Queensland’s migration boom propels its 1.8% growth, adding 98,000 residents yearly, with Brisbane’s metro area drawing 24% of inbound moves. Net overseas migration of 74,900 combines with interstate gains, targeting construction and health roles via 2,600 nomination spots. South-east Queensland eyes 4.5 million by 2032, outpacing national trends amid Olympic preparations.
Victoria population changes show resilience: 1.8% growth to 7 million, led by Melbourne’s overseas influx, though interstate losses temper gains. New South Wales population trends indicate 1.2% rise to 8.5 million, but Sydney’s net outflow of 31,000 highlights affordability woes. Western Australia population growth hits 2.3%, crossing 3 million via mining and positive internal migration.
South Australia migration remains steady at 1.1%, with Adelaide gaining modestly from overseas students. Tasmania population increase slows to 0.2%, adding just 1,100 amid youth exodus, despite policy pushes for 650,000 by 2050. Smaller territories like the Northern Territory (1.3%) and ACT (1.3%) benefit from federal jobs but face volatility. Where Australians are moving 2025 favors sunbelt states, blending economic pull with lifestyle appeal.
Regional vs Urban Shifts: Emerging Patterns
Regional vs capital city migration Australia intensifies, with a 31,000 net outflow from capitals to regions in 2025, up 4.5%. Greater Geelong leads with 10.5% influx from cities, followed by the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. This tree change Australia and sea change Australia trend, elevated 20.5% since COVID, reflects remote work enabling 25% more city-to-regional moves.
Population shifts Australia favor balanced growth: regions added 113,800 (1.3%) versus capitals’ 427,800 (2.4%), but net internal flows equalize. Newcastle-Maitland and Ballarat boom at 10-15% over a decade, drawing from Sydney and Melbourne. Challenges include aging regional demographics—21.6% over 65 versus 14.3% in cities—and service gaps. Yet, opportunities arise in manufacturing and tourism, with 368,000 interstate moves underscoring mobility. Lifestyle migration Australia thrives here, prioritizing space and community over urban hustle.
Conclusion
In 2025, Australia’s population shifts favor growth states like Queensland and Western Australia, where net migration drives 1.8-2.3% annual increases, while others like Tasmania stagnate at 0.2%. Interstate flows, totaling 371,000 moves, highlight affordability and lifestyle as key motivators. As regions gain from urban exodus, balanced planning will sustain this momentum. Consider your priorities—jobs, climate, or community—and explore relocation options today to align with these dynamic trends.
