At December 2023, it was estimated that 7.3 percent of New South Wales residents were between 25 and 29 years old. Australia, like most economically developed countries, is expected to have an ever-increasing older population into the future.

Population projection data for New South Wales to the year 2031. Data is provided at Local Government Area (LGA) level.

Transport for NSW provides projections of population and dwellings at the small area (Travel Zone or TZ) level for NSW. The latest version is Travel Zone Projections 2024 (TZP24), released in January 2025.

TZP24 replaces the previously published TZP22.

The projections are developed to support a strategic view of NSW and are aligned with the NSW Government Common Planning Assumptions.

The TZP24 Population & Dwellings Projections dataset covers the following variables:

• Estimated Resident Population

• Structural Private Dwellings (Regional NSW only)

• Population in Occupied Private Dwellings, by 5-year Age categories & by Sex

• Population in Non-Private Dwellings

The projections in this release, TZP24, are presented annually from 2021 to 2031 and 5-yearly from 2031 to 2066, and are in TZ21 geography.

Please note, TZP24 is based on best available data as at early 2024, and the projections incorporate results of the National Census conducted by the ABS in August 2021.

Key Data Inputs used in TZP24:

• 2024 NSW Population Projections – NSW Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure

• 2021 Census data - Australian Bureau of Statistics (including dwellings by occupancy, total dwellings by Mesh Block, household sizes, private dwellings by occupancy, population age and gender, persons by place of usual residence)

For a summary of the TZP24 projection method please refer to the TZP24 Factsheet.

For more detail on the projection process please refer to the TZP24 Technical Guide.

Additional land use information for workforce and employment as well as Travel Zone 2021 boundaries for NSW (TZ21) and concordance files are also available for download on the Open Data Hub.

Visualisations of the population projections are available on the Transport for NSW Website under Data and research/Reference Information.

Cautions

The TZP24 dataset represents one view of the future aligned with the NSW Government Common Planning Assumptions and population and employment projections.

The projections are not based on specific assumptions about future new transport infrastructure but do take into account known land-use developments underway or planned, and strategic plans.

• TZP24 is a strategic state-wide dataset and caution should be exercised when considering results at detailed breakdowns.

• The TZP24 outputs represent a point in time set of projections (as at early 2024).

• The projections are not government targets.

• Travel Zone (TZ) level outputs are projections only and should be used as a guide. As with all small area data, aggregating of travel zone projections to higher geographies leads to more robust results.

• As a general rule, TZ-level projections are illustrative of a possible future only.

• More specific advice about data reliability for the specific variables projected is provided in the “Read Me” page of the Excel format summary spreadsheets on the TfNSW Open Data Hub.

• Caution is advised when comparing TZP24 with the previous set of projections (TZP22) due to addition of new data sources for the most recent years, and adjustments to methodology.

Further cautions and notes can be found in the TZP24 Technical Guide

Important note:

The Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure (DPHI) published the 2024 NSW Population Projections in November 2024. As per DPHI’s published projections, the following variables are excluded from the published TZP24 Population and Dwellings Projections:

• Structural Private Dwellings for Travel Zones in 43 councils across Greater Sydney, Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Central Coast, Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle

• Occupied Private Dwellings for Travel Zones in NSW.

Furthermore, in TZP24, the Structural Private Dwellings variable aligns with the 2024 Implied Dwelling projections while the Occupied Private Dwellings variable aligns with the 2024 Households projections at SA2 level prepared by DPHI.

The above variables are available upon request by contacting model.selection@transport.nsw.gov.au - Attention Place Forecasting.

ABS Census data extract - G01 SELECTED PERSON CHARACTERISTICS BY SEX providing a breakdown of population at Suburb level and by:age groupsaboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons (a)birthplace (b) and (c)language used at home (d)age of persons attending an education institution (e)highest year of school completed (f)count of persons in occupied private dwellings (g)Count of persons in other dwellings (g) (h)This data is based on place of usual residence unless otherwise stated.(a) Applicable to persons who are of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin.(b) Includes 'Australia', 'Australia (includes External Territories), nfd', 'Norfolk Island' and 'Australian External Territories, nec'.(c) Includes 'Inadequately described', and 'At sea'. Excludes not stated.(d) Includes 'Inadequately described' and 'Non-verbal, so described'. Excludes not stated.(e) Comprises 'Preschool', 'Primary' (including Government, Catholic, Other non-Government, Primary not further defined), 'Secondary' (including Government, Catholic, Other non-Government, Secondary not further defined) and 'Tertiary' (including vocational education (including TAFE and private training providers), university or other higher education, Tertiary not further defined). Excludes persons who did not state which type of education institution they were attending.(f) Applicable to persons aged 15 years and over.(g) Data is based on place of enumeration. Excludes overseas visitors.(h) Includes 'Visitors only' and 'Other non-classifiable' households, 'Non-private dwellings' and 'Migratory, off-shore and shipping' SA1s.Please note that there are small random adjustments made to all cell values to protect the confidentiality of data. These adjustments may cause the sum of rows or columns to differ by small amounts from table totals.

This dataset contains projected population figures from Transport for NSW’s Travel Zone Projection 2016 (TZP2016) model (formally known as LU16*). The data includes: • Estimated Resident Population …Show full descriptionThis dataset contains projected population figures from Transport for NSW’s Travel Zone Projection 2016 (TZP2016) model (formally known as LU16*). The data includes: • Estimated Resident Population (ERP) (including 5-year age categories by sex); • Population in occupied private dwellings (POPD) • Population in non-private dwellings (PNPD); and • Occupied private dwellings (OPD) The TZP2016 projections reflect the Sydney Greater Metropolitan Area (GMA) and are provided on a 5-yearly basis for the period 2011-2056.

As of December 2023, the proportion of the Australian population that lived in New South Wales amounted to 31.3 percent. The Northern Territory had the least number of residents in the country, with less than one percent of the population residing there.

This dataset presents projected population by ages for 5-year periods between the years of 2011 and 2036 for the state of New South Wales (NSW). The data is presented as aggregations following the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) 2016 Local Government Areas (LGA). Population projections provide a picture of the population as it may develop in future years. They provide an indication of the size and age-sex structure of the future population if specified assumptions about future fertility, mortality and migration are realised. Population projections are not forecasts and do not attempt to predict the impact that future government policies, changing economic circumstances or other factors (whether in Australia or overseas) might have on demographic behaviour. For more information please read the Population Projections User Guide. Please note: AURIN has spatially enabled the original data. Population numbers are rounded to the nearest 50. They should not be taken to be accurate to that level of detail. The data has been transposed to present the population age groups as distinct columns and use a compulsory filter to select the projection year. This dataset only covers LGA which have a low population.

As of June 2023, there were approximately 8.33 million residents in the New South Wales region in Australia. In comparison, there were around 252 thousand residents in the Northern Territory region.

Australia Population: Resident: Estimated: Annual: New South Wales: Greater Sydney data was reported at 5,132,355.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 5,024,923.000 Person for 2016. Australia Population: Resident: Estimated: Annual: New South Wales: Greater Sydney data is updated yearly, averaging 4,643,072.500 Person from Jun 2006 (Median) to 2017, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,132,355.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 4,256,161.000 Person in 2006. Australia Population: Resident: Estimated: Annual: New South Wales: Greater Sydney data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.G002: Estimated Resident Population.

The NSW population projections are a scenario based on available evidence. They are not a target or a representation of Government intent. They represent possible demographic futures based on the best assessment of how the NSW population may change over time, including population size, age profile and residential location. The projections reflect current planning frameworks and strategies in place, and the potential demographic outcomes of contemporary decisions. They represent a basis from which to plan from.

Projection data for New South Wales are available to the year 2041; and for Regional NSW, Sydney, Illawarra, Lower Hunter & Central Coast and all Local Government Areas (LGA) to the year 2031.

Individual file tabs contain summary population projection data for New South Wales, projection regions and all LGAs. Individual file tabs are also available for population projections by five-year age group and sex for New South Wales and the projection regions. Five year age group data are available for LGAs with populations greater than 3,000 in 2011. For smaller LGAs, age group data are provided for four age groups: 0-14, 15-44, 45-64, 65+.

For more information, including reports, frequently asked questions and an information brochure, please see http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Research-and-Demography/Demography/Population-Projections

ABS Statistics about the population, density and components of change (births, deaths, migration) for Australia's capital cities and regions.This dataset is based on ABS Population estimates and components by LGA Excel files as data sources.

Australia Population: Resident: Estimated: Female: State: New South Wales data was reported at 4,277,370.000 Person in Sep 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 4,261,453.000 Person for Jun 2024. Australia Population: Resident: Estimated: Female: State: New South Wales data is updated quarterly, averaging 3,329,874.500 Person from Jun 1981 (Median) to Sep 2024, with 174 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,277,370.000 Person in Sep 2024 and a record low of 2,626,538.000 Person in Jun 1981. Australia Population: Resident: Estimated: Female: State: New South Wales data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.G002: Estimated Resident Population.

Treasury media release 2009

Australia Population: Resident: Estimated: New South Wales data was reported at 8,511,151.000 Person in Sep 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 8,479,314.000 Person for Jun 2024. Australia Population: Resident: Estimated: New South Wales data is updated quarterly, averaging 6,607,576.500 Person from Jun 1981 (Median) to Sep 2024, with 174 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8,511,151.000 Person in Sep 2024 and a record low of 5,234,889.000 Person in Jun 1981. Australia Population: Resident: Estimated: New South Wales data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.G002: Estimated Resident Population.

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Newcastle-Maitland, Australia metro area from 1950 to 2025.

ABS Census data extract - G09 COUNTRY OF BIRTH OF PERSON BY AGE providing a breakdown of population at LGA level and by:age groupscountry of birth of person(a)Australia(b)China (excludes SARs and Taiwan)(c)Hong Kong (SAR of China)(c)Born elsewhere(d)This data is based on place of usual residence.(a) This list consists of the most common 50 Country of Birth responses reported in the 2016 Census and 2011 Census.(b) Includes 'Australia', 'Australia (includes External Territories), nfd', 'Norfolk Island' and 'Australian External Territories, nec'.(c) Special Administrative Regions (SARs) comprise 'Hong Kong (SAR of China)' and 'Macau (SAR of China)'. (d) Includes countries not identified individually, 'Inadequately described', and 'At sea'. Excludes not stated.Please note that there are small random adjustments made to all cell values to protect the confidentiality of data. These adjustments may cause the sum of rows or columns to differ by small amounts from table totals.

The NSW Koala Strategy identifies 50 koala populations in New South Wales based on the Areas of Regional Koala Significance (ARKS) identified by the NSW Government (DPIE 2020), noting that koalas are also found outside these areas.

These 50 koala populations have been prioritised in 2 intervention categories:

• populations for immediate investment
• populations with key knowledge gaps.

The nineteen populations for immediate investment are relatively large koala populations supported by good levels of knowledge but subject to significant threats.

These populations have been prioritised for investment because we have a good understanding of their size and distribution, habitat values and the nature and intensity of threats.

Through targeted investment and management, we can reduce the threats to these koala populations. Expert assessment of a range of criteria determined whether a population area would be prioritised for investment over the next five years.

Many of the nineteen populations are likely to support a minimum of 1000 koalas, and in some cases, they likely support many more.

Populations for immediate investment in most cases exactly match existing ARKS. In a few cases, the name of the ARKS has been amended for clarity, and the boundary of several ARKS has also been amended (see Table 1 in MS Word document).

For the remaining 31 koala populations, we will address knowledge gaps through a baseline survey program to assess their population status, genetics, and health.

Some information is known about these koala populations already, however, in many places there are gaps in our knowledge. Interventions to reduce threats, improve habitat and support population viability will be carried out once the status of koalas is known and key threats identified.

It is likely that all koala populations will benefit from local, community- based actions, improved local planning processes and targeted research on the status of koalas and the distribution of habitat.

In addition to the initial surveys, for some populations we will use ongoing monitoring to track population trends and measure the effectiveness of interventions.

The intervention category of koala populations may change over time. Populations can move between categories as knowledge is improved, or populations are made more secure through strategic interventions.

Reference: DPIE 2020, Framework for the spatial prioritisation of koala conservation actions in NSW: Saving our Species Iconic Koala Project

This dataset presents projected number of households by type for 5-year periods between the years of 2011 and 2036 for the state of New South Wales (NSW). The data is presented as aggregations following the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) 2016 Local Government Areas (LGA).

Household projections show the number of households that would form if demographic trends continue and if assumptions about living arrangements are realised over the projection period. A household is two or more people who share a dwelling (house, apartment, townhouse, caravan, etc.) and share food and cooking facilities, and other essentials. Household projections show the future number and type of households living in private dwellings. Private dwellings are self-contained accommodation such as houses, apartments, mobile homes or other substantial structures. It does not include accommodation such as boarding houses, nursing homes or prisons.

The household projections also include the implied dwelling demand for those households. This is the likely number of private dwellings needed to accommodate future population-driven demand.

For more information please read the Household Projections User Guide.

Please note:

• AURIN has spatially enabled the original data.

• Household and dwelling numbers are rounded to the nearest 50. They should not be taken to be accurate to that level of detail.

This dataset presents projected population following the three projection series - the main projection, a high and a low projection series for 5-year periods between the years of 2011 and 2036 for the state of New South Wales (NSW). The data is presented as aggregations following the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) 2016 Local Government Areas (LGA).

The various projection series show the impact on the NSW population when the assumed levels of births, deaths and migration are changed.

Population projections provide a picture of the population as it may develop in future years. They provide an indication of the size and age-sex structure of the future population if specified assumptions about future fertility, mortality and migration are realised.

Population projections are not forecasts and do not attempt to predict the impact that future government policies, changing economic circumstances or other factors (whether in Australia or overseas) might have on demographic behaviour.

For more information please read the Population Projections User Guide.Please note:

• AURIN has spatially enabled the original data.

• Population numbers are rounded to the nearest 50. They should not be taken to be accurate to that level of detail.