December 9, 2009
Embargo: 11.30am (AEDT)
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Australia's population continues to age: ABS
Australia's median age (the age at which half the population is older and half is younger) increased
by 5.1 years over the past 20 years, from 31.8 years at 30 June 1989 to 36.9 years in 2009
according to preliminary figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Over the past 20 years, the proportion of children aged 0-14 years decreased from 22.2% to 19.2%
of the total population. During the same period the proportion of people aged 65 years and over
increased from 11.0% to 13.3%, and people aged 15-64 years increased from 66.9% to 67.5% of
the total population.
However, in the 12 months to June 2009, the number of children aged 0–14 years increased by
58,900 (1.4%). The number of children in the 0–4 age group increased the most (by 48,300 or
3.5%) and the 10–14 age group increased the least (by 2,700 or 0.2%). All states and territories
recorded positive growth with Queensland and Western Australia recording the largest percentage
increase (both 2.5% or Qld 22,000 people, WA 10,700 people) and Tasmania the lowest (0.5% or
460 people) in the 0–14 year age group.
Of all the states and territories, Tasmania recorded the highest median age (39.6 years) and the
Northern Territory the lowest (31.2 years) at 30 June 2009.
The Australian working age population (aged 15–64 years) increased by 298,500 (2.1%) in the
year ending 30 June 2009 with the largest increase in Western Australia (45,600 or 3.1%) and the
smallest in Tasmania (2,400 or 0.7%).
Between 30 June 1989 and 2009, the sex ratio (the number of males per 100 females) decreased
from 99.5 males per 100 females to 99.1 males per 100 females.
Further information is available in Population by Age and Sex, Australian States and Territories
FURTHER INFORMATION
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When reporting ABS data, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or ABS) must
be attributed as the source
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