Biggest Aussie cities to host eight million by 2050s
Australian cities are expected to grow twice as fast as regions over the next decade; The populations of Sydney and Melbourne are expected to reach eight million by mid-century.
The country is already among the most urbanized countries in the world, and forecasts by the federal government’s Population Center show that city living will continue to be popular.
Approximately 18.4 million people currently live in the capitals, and this number is expected to increase by 18 percent by the middle of the next decade.
Everywhere outside the largest urban centers can expect a 10 percent increase by then.
Perth is expected to be the fastest growing capital city and Hobart the slowest growing capital.
Looking ahead to 2065-66, Melbourne is predicted to be Australia’s most populous city with 9.1 million people, ahead of Sydney, which is expected to host 8.5 million people by then.
72 per cent of Australians are expected to live in capital cities by 2066, up from 68 per cent today.
Natural increase, or births minus deaths, and net overseas migration (population increases minus losses from international border movements) contribute to intensification of urbanization.
The 2025 population declaration stated that overseas immigrants tend to prefer large cities because they offer better job and education opportunities and establish immigrant communities.
Overall, Australia’s population is expected to grow from the current 27.5 million to 31.5 million by 2035-2036.
A sharp decline in net overseas migration has also been observed, from highs of over 550,000 after the COVID-19 pandemic to 260,000 in 2025-26.
Australia’s falling fertility rate, aging population and high life expectancy have also remained long-standing trends.
Australia’s birth rates are expected to fall to a record low in 2025-26, Finance Minister Jim Chalmers said.
“The Albanian government is introducing policies to ease the pressure on families and make it easier for people to have children if they want, including the new three-day guarantee for early childhood education and care and the expansion and improvement of paid parental leave,” he said.
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