Brisbane Population Growth

Brisbane is experiencing rapid population growth that outstrips the national average, due to its exceptional quality of life attracting many migrants.

After reaching new lows in 2020-21, combined capital city growth experienced a marked rebound between 2021-22 (Chart 1) driven by net overseas migration growth.

Population density

Brisbane’s population has seen steady expansion. Lonely Planet named it one of the happiest cities, making it one of Australia’s premier tourist spots. Brisbane features five Olympic-size swimming pool-sized beach lagoon, two breathtaking cathedrals, and numerous iconic landmarks like Story Bridge – which all make it an attractive tourist destination.

Brisbane area’s population has seen faster growth than any of Australia’s capital cities and currently ranks third nationwide. This surge can be attributed to higher fertility rates and interstate migration; its livable conditions also draw people from overseas.

Since 31 August 2023, four new data cubes with final rebased population estimates for 2017 to 2021 based on the 2021 Census have been included in this release and supersede all previous estimates. Furthermore, Brisbane metro area maps have been revised with 2024 projections to provide users with an understanding of population density within each suburb in Brisbane region.

Birth rate

Brisbane’s birth rate measures the expected average number of children women can have over their lifetimes, which varies considerably across its city limits and suburbs. Fertility differs significantly between inner and outer suburbs – for instance, Brisbane Inner City statistical region includes both central business district and nearby suburbs and has an overall fertility rate of 1.03 which falls short of meeting replacement levels needed to sustain its population without overseas migration.

Australia’s total fertility rate plummeted to a record low of 1.59 in 2020 before rebounding slightly last year – still below replacement level of 2.1 births per woman – resulting in the country’s population declining rapidly. If this trend continues, population could start shrinking.

Births, Deaths and Marriages published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics is based on registrations made with state and territory registries across Australia, updated every year as new information comes through from them. Occurrence data are presented in several tables; one table reports births registered during one calendar year (the reference year); while past releases contain data that have been modified or amended since their original release.

Death rate

Queensland has one of the highest death rates among Australian states and territories due to perinatal deaths caused by congenital issues or growth restriction, maternal mortality is also among its highest rates – in 2022 there were 488 maternal deaths, almost twice what the national average.

This study focused on data related to registered deaths and environmental factors at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2). All-cause mortality data were linked with meteorological Extreme Heat Factors and SA2 temperature data through case-crossover methods; relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were calculated across years, regions, ages, genders, rurality statuses socioeconomic status as well as causes of death.

Results show that those living in major cities, lower socioeconomic regions and elderly are at greater risk during heatwaves, which underscores the necessity of taking steps to protect vulnerable groups against the health impacts associated with climate change.

Migration rate

The Australian Bureau of Statistics calculates the population growth rate in Brisbane by adding natural increase (births minus deaths) and net interstate migration to resident population at the start of each period. The percentage change is then expressed.

Queensland’s lifestyle draws in people from abroad and interstate. This has resulted in strong demand for new houses and an upsurge in property prices; one-person households have also increased significantly reducing available affordable housing stock.

Brisbane residents typically hold one of six occupations as their main source of employment: professionals (23.7%), clerical and administrative workers (14.6%), technicians and trades workers (12.7%), managers (11.5%) and community and personal service workers (9.5%). Health care and social assistance, retail trade, manufacturing and professional, scientific and technical services are the four industries where most workers in Brisbane reside; with more individuals living alone due to national trends toward smaller families.