Population trends in South Australia

Australia's population continues to be influenced by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the policy changes implemented to control the spread. Historically, South Australia has grown at a modest rate, and its population has an older age profile. But more recently, the state has recorded small gains from interstate migration. Will this make a difference to the ageing trend? 

How do demographic trends in Australia compare with other countries?

We are very lucky in Australia that we have access to a wide range of quality data that informs the characteristics of our population. But how do we compare internationally? In this blog I compare Australia's demographic characteristics with all other countries in the world. This is spatial analysis on a global scale!

Tasmania is the oldest state in Australia

Despite recent growth driven by migration, Tasmania remains the oldest state in Australia. It has the highest median age, reaching 42.3 years in 2020. One in five people are aged 65 years and over. The age structure of a region, and how it's changing, is an important consideration in service planning. This blog uses recently released population data by the ABS to look at variations in the age structure across Tasmania.

Is the Gold Coast full of retirees?

The Gold Coast - an urban conglomeration of coastal towns and suburbs, is a sprawling settlement located in South East Queensland. It is Australia's largest urban centre that is not a state capital. It is roughly half the size of Adelaide, and almost three times the size of Hobart. The Gold Coast has a reputation as a retirement destination with an elderly population, but how true is this perception? What are the characteristics of population change on the Gold Coast population in the 21st century?

Where do older people live?

In common with many western countries, Australia's population is ageing. This is typically shown by increases in both the number and proportion of older people. But older people are not a homogenous group - they show a wide range of diversity with regard to their social and economic characteristics. This blog will use the latest population data released by the ABS to look at characteristics of the older population in Australia, as well as their spatial distribution in South Australia.

Half of South Australia's population is aged over 40 years

South Australia has one of the oldest populations in Australia, with a median age of 40 years in 2018. But age structures and settlement patterns differ across the State - some areas are younger, and some are older.  This blog looks at the recent release of ERP data by age and sex, with a focus on South Australia and the mining community of Roxby Downs.

Four generations of demographic change in Australia

The release of the historical population data by the ABS allows us to look at where we've come from to where we are today - with a demographic spin.  Since 1926, the Australian population has grown considerably, both in size and maturity.  Using 30 years to approximate a generation, this blog looks at three generations of change since 1926, and one generation into the future - 2046.