In 2021, Australia's fertility rate reached its lowest ever figure, at fewer than 1.7 children born per women of childbearing age. In general, Australia’s fertility rate has been fairly consistent throughout the past four decades, fluctuating between 1.7 and two births per woman, however the recent drop in fertility may be a result of the Covid-19 pandemic - it remains to be seen what the full extent of the pandemic will be on demographic trends.
Population aging in Australia
Like most other developed nations, Australia has been experiencing population ageing, driven by declining fertility rate and increased longevity, with an average life expectancy at birth of 83 years in 2020. Amid the pandemic, Australia also witnessed a noticeable decrease in the number of births to approximately 294.4 thousand, the lowest value since 2011.
“No kids attached”
Childfree couples could become the norm in Australia, as couples living without children are expected to become Australia’s most common family type in a few years’ time. While many families may suffer from involuntary childlessness, other couples would opt for a childfree life for various reasons. Especially in times of COVID-19, couples might not want to risk having children with increasing job insecurity.
Fertility rate in Australia from 1960 to 2021
Characteristic
Number of children born per woman
2021
1.7
2020
1.58
2019
1.66
2018
1.74
2017
1.74
2016
1.75
2015
1.81
2014
1.83
2013
1.86
2012
1.92
2011
1.93
2010
1.93
2009
1.97
2008
1.98
2007
1.96
2006
1.91
2005
1.81
2004
1.77
2003
1.75
2002
1.76
2001
1.74
2000
1.76
1999
1.76
1998
1.76
1997
1.78
1996
1.8
1995
1.82
1994
1.84
1993
1.86
1992
1.89
1991
1.85
1990
1.9
1989
1.84
1988
1.83
1987
1.85
1986
1.87
1985
1.92
1984
1.84
1983
1.92
1982
1.93
1981
1.94
1980
1.89
1979
1.91
1978
1.95
1977
2.01
1976
2.06
1975
2.15
1974
2.4
1973
2.49
1972
2.74
1971
2.96
1970
2.86
1969
2.89
1968
2.89
1967
2.85
1966
2.88
1965
2.98
1964
3.15
1963
3.33
1962
3.44
1961
3.54
1960
3.45
Zoomable Statistic: Select the range in the chart you want to zoom in on.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
World Bank. (December 18, 2023). Fertility rate in Australia from 1960 to 2021 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved June 18, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/260477/fertility-rate-in-australia/
World Bank. "Fertility rate in Australia from 1960 to 2021." Chart. December 18, 2023. Statista. Accessed June 18, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/260477/fertility-rate-in-australia/
World Bank. (2023). Fertility rate in Australia from 1960 to 2021. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: June 18, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/260477/fertility-rate-in-australia/
World Bank. "Fertility Rate in Australia from 1960 to 2021." Statista, Statista Inc., 18 Dec 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/260477/fertility-rate-in-australia/
World Bank, Fertility rate in Australia from 1960 to 2021 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/260477/fertility-rate-in-australia/ (last visited June 18, 2024)
Fertility rate in Australia from 1960 to 2021 [Graph], World Bank, December 18, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/260477/fertility-rate-in-australia/