Median age

At the 2021 Census, Median age across Australia was 38 yrs. The median is the middle age of everyone living in the area — exactly half the population is older and half is younger.

Half the population is older than this age, and half younger. Being a median rather than an average, it is not distorted by a handful of very high or very low values.

A low median points to families and young workers; a high one signals retirees or areas young people have left. It shapes demand for schools, aged care and housing.

Worth knowing: Median age can be pulled up or down by a single large institution — a university college or a retirement village — in an otherwise small area.

Across the 2,434 SA2 areas with data, Median age ranges from 10 yrs to 91 yrs, with a typical (median) area at 40 yrs. Most areas cluster toward the lower end, with a smaller number of much higher areas stretching the range.

Yes — Median age is measured consistently enough to compare across the 2011, 2016 and 2021 Censuses, so the trend over time is meaningful. Nationally it has risen from 37 yrs in 2011 to 38 yrs in 2021.

Use the interactive map to compare Median age 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.