Latest population figures – Australia’s Capital Cities
On July 31st, 2012, the ABS quietly released the official population estimates (Estimated Resident Population, or ERP) for small areas in Australia. These are the first official population figures available for areas below the State level based on the 2011 Census results. What do they tell us about our capital cities?
Greater Melbourne has had the largest growth among the capitals, over one year, 5 years and 10 years. The 10 year growth is particularly impressive, adding ove 647,000 people, 170,000 more than Sydney.
The fastest growth was in Perth, up by 26.2% over 10 years, and 15.2% over 5 years. Perth’s one year growth was particularly strong – in 2010-11 it added almost as many people as Sydney (obviously Sydney is a much larger city).
Brisbane also had strong growth over this period.
Hobart and Adelaide were the slowest growing capitals, with 9.1% and 9.4% 10-year growth respectively.
Capital City | 2011 Population | 1 year growth | 5 year growth | 10 year growth | % 10 year growth |
Greater Sydney | 4,605,992 | 55,792 | 323,931 | 477,645 | 11.6% |
Greater Melbourne | 4,169,103 | 60,662 | 370,115 | 647,164 | 18.4% |
Greater Brisbane | 2,146,577 | 33,552 | 231,701 | 432,257 | 25.2% |
Greater Adelaide | 1,262,940 | 9,162 | 63,335 | 108,198 | 9.4% |
Greater Perth | 1,832,114 | 47,038 | 242,107 | 380,056 | 26.2% |
Greater Hobart | 216,276 | 1,649 | 9,683 | 17,980 | 9.1% |
Greater Darwin | 129,062 | 934 | 14,700 | 22,220 | 20.8% |
Canberra/ACT | 367,752 | 6,999 | 33,633 | 48,435 | 15.2% |
Please note that the ABS have redefined the geographic areas of the capital cities as part of moving to the new statistical geography. Fortunately they have “backcast” on the new boundaries so we have populations back to 1971 for the new areas. Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane’s areas have expanded considerably in the new geography. However the ABS have also revised downwards the pre-Census estimates, due to lower numbers of people counted in the Census than expected.
If you are looking for State populations, analysed these in a previous blog. Next we will look in more detail at suburbs and LGA in each State..
Access more information about the Australian Census 2011.
having just visited Townsville, I was told the city passes 200,000 this month & becomes the largest regional city in Australia overtaking Geelong. Your figures must be way out for Qld. Numbers are supplied by TCC. any comment?
Hi Philip, thanks for your comments. For all these areas we are quoting the official ABS figures for June 2011. Obviously we are more than a year on from this at the moment, so this may have an impact. Brisbane SD takes in Moreton Bay and Ipswich so these figures are correct, and for 2011 should be close to the mark. For Townsville, make sure you are referring to the Statistical District, which is not necessarily the same as the LGA – which can include substantial rural areas and outlying towns. The Statistical District includes the urban area of the centre and immediate surrounds.
I always feel urban Brisbane’s Pop. is underestimated taking into account the enormous growth in Moreton Bay Regional council & Ipswich council areas. I est a short fall of 100,000. Melbourne is often over est.at Brisbane’s expense. Is this byis? Bris. urban must be gaining at least 60,000pa not 33,000 (or is this Bris. city only & not all the greater area) I feel a rethink is called on for here & a proper reflection of our true size is given. I est Gr. Bris. at over 2.25 million at the moment & I bet I am nearer the mark than you are.
Glen,
I am looking for Historical Australian Capital city populations to match with the BITRE transport statistics to get per capita change. Any thoughts where I can get it. Thanks, James