Average household size

At the 2021 Census, Average household size across Australia was 2.5. The average number of people usually living in each occupied household.

Average number of people usually resident per household. As an average it can be pulled up or down by a few unusually high or low values.

Household size links population to dwelling demand and reveals whether an area skews to families, share houses or people living alone.

Across the 2,417 SA2 areas with data, Average household size ranges from 1.0 to 6.0, with a typical (median) area at 2.5. Most areas cluster toward the lower end, with a smaller number of much higher areas stretching the range.

Yes — Average household size is measured consistently enough to compare across the 2011, 2016 and 2021 Censuses, so the trend over time is meaningful. Nationally it has fallen from 2.6 in 2011 to 2.5 in 2021.

Use the interactive map to compare Average household size down to block (sa1) and statistical area 2 (sa2) level, or search any suburb, postcode or council area to see its value in context against state and national figures.