The ABS today published its latest population data, to December 2013. The preliminary estimated resident population (ERP) of Australia at 31 December 2013 was 23,319,400 people. This reflects an increase of 396,200 people since 31 December 2012 and 85,100 people since 30 September 2013. The preliminary estimates of natural increase recorded for the year ended 31 December 2013 (160,400 people) was 0.9%, or 1,400 people lower than the natural increase recorded for the year ended 31 December 2012 (161,800 people). The preliminary estimates of net overseas migration (NOM) recorded for the year ended 31 December 2013 (235,800 people) was 2.2%, or 5,400 people lower than the net overseas migration recorded for the year ended 31 December 2012 (241,200 people).
Australia’s population grew by 1.7% during the year ended 31 December 2013. Natural increase and NOM contributed 40% and 60% respectively to total population growth for the year ended 31 December 2013. All states and territories recorded positive population growth in the year ended 31 December 2013. Western Australia continued to record the fastest growth rate of all states and territories at 2.9%. Tasmania recorded the slowest growth rate at 0.3%.
Overseas migration continues to be a major driver to population growth, contributing nearly twice that of local births. However, it is down 2.2% from the year before. We have updated our housing demand modelling accordingly.
