Total population

At the 2021 Census, Total population across Australia was 25,422,788. It counts everyone who usually lives in the area, based on where people said they normally reside rather than where they happened to be on Census night.

The number of people who usually live in the area, counted on Census night. It is a count, so larger areas naturally record larger totals — compare it against population or area for a fair read.

Population is the denominator behind almost every other statistic, and its change over time is the clearest signal of where Australia is growing or shrinking.

Worth knowing: Census counts are adjusted for people missed or counted twice; small areas can also be affected by ABS confidentiality rounding.

Across the 2,472 SA2 areas with data, Total population ranges from 0 to 28,116, with a typical (median) area at 9,656. Most areas cluster toward the lower end, with a smaller number of much higher areas stretching the range.

Yes — Total population 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 21,507,719 in 2011 to 25,422,788 in 2021.

Use the interactive map to compare Total population 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.