# Demographics & Identity — Greater Melbourne

Who lives here — how many people, how old they are, and how communities identify.

Area: Greater Melbourne (Capital City)

Nearly 5 million people live in Greater Melbourne, making it one of the most populous areas in the country. The region is slightly younger than the national average, with a typical resident aged 37. This growth is significant, with the population increasing by about 432,539 people since 2016.

The population reached 4,917,750 in 2021, which is among the highest for similar areas. The typical age is 37, which is a little younger than both the Victorian and Australian figures of 38.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 0.7% of the population, which is much lower than most similar areas. People in de facto relationships account for 10.7%, a figure that is about the same as the national average but much lower than in most similar areas.

Children under 15 make up 18.1% of the population, a figure that is higher than most similar areas and about the same as the national average. Seniors aged 65 and over account for 15.0%, which is a little below the national figure of 17.2%.

## Statistics

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total population | 4,917,750 | — |
| Median age | 37 yrs | — |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander population | 0.7% | — |
| People aged 65 and over | 15.0% | — |
| Children under 15 | 18.1% | — |
| People in a de facto relationship | 10.7% | — |

**Age structure** — Young adults (25–44) 31.0%, Older adults (45–64) 23.6%, Children (0–14) 18.1%, Seniors (65+) 15.0%, Youth (15–24) 12.3%

**Marital status** — Married 47.0%, Never married 38.0%, Divorced 7.6%, Widowed 4.5%, Separated 2.9%

Interactive: https://censusatlas.au/region/gccsa/2GMEL/greater-melbourne/topic/demographics-identity