{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2025 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Population growth stagnates

Media Release

Population growth stagnates

Media Release
ABS data released today shows the estimated resident population in all states and territories. This is the compilation of the natural rate of population growth, overseas migration and interstate migration.

“Australia’s population growth has slowed to just 0.14% over the past year, the slowest rate of growth for more than 100 years,” stated Nick Ward, HIA’s Senior Economist.

ABS data released today shows the estimated resident population in all states and territories. This is the compilation of the natural rate of population growth, overseas migration and interstate migration.

“Population growth has slowed as net overseas migration, previously a source of growth, has reversed and turned negative,” added Mr Ward.

“The sharpest decline in resident population has occurred in Victoria where the population contracted by 0.64 per cent. The number of people departing Victoria for other states and overseas is more than double the natural population growth over the past year.

“All other jurisdictions maintained positive population growth, albeit at just a fraction of their pre-COVID rate of growth.

“ The loss of population growth is a concern for a number of reasons. Population growth is a key driver of economic growth. Australia needs economic growth to maintain the standard of living all Australians expect. Growth supports the ability of Governments to deliver the services and support Australians need and expect.

“Prior to the COVID recession, the average net migrant was 24 years old and the average Australian resident was 39 years of age. Australians aged 65 years and over make up more than 16per cent of the population. This share is rising.

“ The loss of overseas students and skilled migration has almost certainly seen the average age of migrants increase and accelerated the ageing of the Australian population.

“ A return to stable and reliable skilled migration pathways is central to a return to stable economic growth,” concluded Mr. Ward.

Population growth has fallen significantly, but remained positive: Qld (+0.85 per cent), WA (+0.57 per cent), NT (+0.48 per cent), ACT (+0.39 per cent), TAS(+0.39 per cent), SA (+15 per cent), NSW (+0.14%). Population growth in Victoria declined by -0.64%.

 For further information please contact:

Australia annual population growth
Population Growth

Nick Ward

Senior Economist

Tim Reardon

HIA Chief Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
04 Dec
Federal Government confirms funding for Territory apprentices during visit to Darwin

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is pleased to welcome Minister Andrew Giles to the HIA NT Skills Centre in Darwin, providing an opportunity to showcase the Northern Territory’s training pipeline and discuss the continued challenges facing the local residential building industry,” HIA Executive Director Northern Territory, Luis Espinoza, said today.

03 Dec
Housing Australia launches Round 3 funding

The Federal Government, through Housing Australia, has announced a third round of funding, in support of its commitment to the building of 1.2 million homes over the next 5 years.

03 Dec
Christmas Comes Early for Housing: HIA Backs Premier’s Action Agenda

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) today welcomed Premier Rockliff’s announcement of the Tasmanian Government’s next 100-day plan, which commits a suite of housing and planning reforms to fast-track new homes and cut red tape.

02 Dec
Key changes under the QBCC Bill

The Queensland Government recently announced the next phase of the ‘Building Reg Reno’ reforms, including various changes under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.

HIA National & State Outlook Report

A comprehensive, up-to-date, and easy to follow quarterly forecast of home building and renovation activity.

HIA-Colorbond® steel Housing 100

Review the latest activities, market share and statistics of Australia’s largest homebuilders and residential developers.

New home sales report

Understand the current new home sales and construction activity each month.

HIA–Cotality Residential Land Report

Understand land prices, land sale volumes, and residential lot sizes on a capital city and non-metropolitan basis – right down to a statistical district level.

HIA Population and Residential Building Hotspots Report

Understand where the nation’s population growth and building hotspots are, so you can confidently plan for your future projects.

HIA Stamp Duty Watch

Understand the latest developments in stamp duty on home purchases.

Trades Report

Understand the availability of skilled trades and the costs associated on both a national and state level.

HIA Affordability Report

Understand the financial indicators impacting the affordability of homes in Australia.