Median rent (weekly)

At the 2021 Census, Median rent (weekly) across Australia was $375. The middle weekly rent paid by households that rent their home, across all dwelling types.

Median weekly rent paid by households renting their home. Being a median rather than an average, it is not distorted by a handful of very high or very low values.

Rent is the housing cost most sensitive to local demand, so it is a fast indicator of where affordability pressure is building.

Worth knowing: It reflects rents already being paid (including long-standing tenancies), so it can lag the advertised market rate for new leases.

Across the 2,392 SA2 areas with data, Median rent (weekly) ranges from $9 to $1,200, with a typical (median) area at $370. Most areas cluster toward the lower end, with a smaller number of much higher areas stretching the range.

Yes — Median rent (weekly) 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 $335 in 2016 to $375 in 2021.

Use the interactive map to compare Median rent (weekly) 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.