Indicator
People born overseas
Share of people born outside Australia (birthplace-not-stated excluded).
Australia over time
- 2011: 24.6%
- 2016: 26.3%
- 2021: 27.7%
Explore on the map
See how born overseas varies across Australia.
Highest areas
SA2 areas with the highest born overseas (2021 Census).
Frequently asked questions
What is People born overseas in Australia?
At the 2021 Census, People born overseas across Australia was 27.7%. It is expressed as a percentage of the relevant group.
How is People born overseas measured?
Share of people born outside Australia (birthplace-not-stated excluded). It is calculated as a percentage of the relevant population or dwellings, so it can be compared fairly between large and small areas.
How does People born overseas vary across Australia?
Across the 2,385 SA2 areas with data, People born overseas ranges from 0.0% to 100.0%, with a typical (median) area at 22.2%. Most areas cluster toward the lower end, with a smaller number of much higher areas stretching the range.
Can People born overseas be compared across censuses?
Yes — People born overseas 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 24.6% in 2011 to 27.7% in 2021.
Where can I see People born overseas for my area?
Use the interactive map to compare People born overseas 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.
Cite this page
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). People born overseas [Census of Population and Housing]. CensusAtlas, used under CC BY 4.0. https://censusatlas.au/indicator/share-born-overseas