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

In June 2022, it was estimated that around 7.3 percent of Australians were aged between 25 and 29, and the same applied to people aged between 30 and 34. All in all, about 55 percent of Australia’s population was aged 35 years or older as of June 2022. At the same time, the age distribution of the country also shows that the share of children under 14 years old was still higher than that of people over 65 years old. A breakdown of Australia’s population growth Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, yet with a population of around 26 million inhabitants, it is only sparsely populated. Since the 1970s, the population growth of Australia has remained fairly constant. While there was a slight rise in the Australian death rate in 2022, the birth rate of the country decreased after a slight rise in the previous year. The fact that the birth rate is almost double the size of its death rate gives the country one of the highest natural population growth rates of any high-income country.
National distribution of the population Australia’s population is expected to surpass 28 million people by 2028. The majority of its inhabitants live in the major cities. The most populated states are New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Together, they account for over 75 percent of the population in Australia.

Since the 1960s, Australia's urbanization rate has consistently been above 80 percent, and in 2024 it has reached its highest ever rate at 86.75 percent. Historically, Australia has been one of the most urbanized countries in the world, due to high rates of immigration since the 20th century, which were generally to coastal, urban areas. However, despite its high urbanization rate, Australia is among the largest countries in the world; therefore its population density is among the lowest in the world.

In 20 major cities worldwide, Sydney has the highest share of the consumers counting as upper class and above. In the Australian city, 84 percent of the population earned at least the equivalent of the highest 10 percent of global income earners as of 2022 in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. By comparison, the same number was below one percent in Nigeria's largest city Lagos.

Humans have been living on the continent of Australia (name derived from "Terra Australis"; Latin for "the southern land") for approximately 65,000 years, however population growth was relatively slow until the nineteenth century. Europeans had made some contact with Australia as early as 1606, however there was no significant attempt at settlement until the late eighteenth century. By 1800, the population of Australia was approximately 350,000 people, and the majority of these were Indigenous Australians. As colonization progressed the number of ethnic Europeans increased while the Australian Aboriginal population was decimated through conflict, smallpox and other diseases, with some communities being exterminated completely, such as Aboriginal Tasmanians. Mass migration from Britain and China After the loss of its American colonies in the 1780s, the British Empire looked to other parts of the globe to expand its sphere of influence. In Australia, the first colonies were established in Sydney, Tasmania and Western Australia. Many of these were penal colonies which became home to approximately 164,000 British and Irish convicts who were transported to Australia between 1788 and 1868. As the decades progressed, expansion into the interior intensified, and the entire country was claimed by Britain in 1826. Inland colonization led to further conflict between European settlers and indigenous Australians, which cost the lives of thousands of natives. Inward expansion also saw the discovery of many natural resources, and most notably led to the gold rushes of the 1850s, which attracted substantial numbers of Chinese migrants to Australia. This mass migration from non-European countries eventually led to some restrictive policies being introduced, culminating with the White Australia Policy of 1901, which cemented ethnic-European dominance in Australian politics and society. These policies were not retracted until the second half of the 1900s. Independent Australia Australia changed its status to a British dominion in 1901, and eventually became independent in 1931. Despite this, Australia has remained a part of the British Commonwealth, and Australian forces (ANZAC) fought with the British and their Allies in both World Wars, and were instrumental in campaigns such as Gallipoli in WWI, and the South West Pacific Theater in WWII. The aftermath of both wars had a significant impact on the Australian population, with approximately 90 thousand deaths in both world wars combined, as well as 15 thousand deaths as a result of the Spanish flu pandemic following WWI, although Australia experienced a significant baby boom following the Second World War. In the past fifty years, Australia has promoted immigration from all over the world, and now has one of the strongest economies and highest living standards in the world, with a population that has grown to over 25 million people in 2020.

The statistic shows the ten largest cities in Australia in 2021. In 2021, around 5.26 million people lived in Sydney and the surrounding area, making it the most populous city in Australia.

Due to Australia’s size and relatively low population density, domestic travel for a holiday, business, or visiting family and friends often involves long hours of driving or a domestic airline flight. Nevertheless, in the year ended December 2024, Australians spent millions of nights away from home on domestic travel trips, with the strongest accommodation preference being staying with friends or relatives. The second most popular choice of accommodation was at a hotel, resort, motel, or motor inn. Urban centers and surfing spots dominate While Australians enjoy diverse accommodation options, their choice of destinations focuses on major cities and beloved coastal areas. Sydney emerged as the top destination for domestic overnight visitors in 2024, attracting over **** million people. Melbourne and Brisbane also proved popular, along with renowned beach and surfing locations along New South Wales' North and South Coast. Interestingly, Melbourne outpaced Sydney in terms of visitor expenditure, with domestic overnight tourists spending over **** billion Australian dollars in the Victorian capital compared to **** billion in Sydney. Domestic travel motivations The primary motivation for domestic overnight travel in Australia was to go on holiday, accounting for almost ** million trips in 2024. The city of Melbourne snatched Sydney's crown for the second year running as the most popular holiday or leisure destination, with Sydney the previous winner in 2022. Visiting family or friends was the next most common reason for domestic overnight travel, with around ** million trips taken. Business trips came in third, followed by uncategorized visit purposes.

Australia's Sports and Recreation Facilities Operation industry has recovered since pandemic-related restrictions forced crowd limits and drove down revenue. While states with fewer lockdowns saw smaller declines, most operators experienced sharp revenue losses. Since 2022-23, record attendances across major sporting codes, due to AFL and NRL seasons that broke previous highs and standout events like the Australian Open and the Australian Grand Prix, have powered a swift rebound. Alongside these live sports, the return of international music tours (notably Taylor Swift’s sold-out run at the MCG) has helped fill scheduling gaps and diversify revenue.Revenue has grown at an annualised rate of 4.2% over the past five years, reaching $2.4 billion in 2024-25. This includes a current year growth rate of 1.2%. Despite this resurgence, large, government-backed venue operators continue to rely on public subsidies to offset depreciation and operating costs, which keeps industry-wide profit margins in the red.Looking ahead, the industry’s revenue trajectory remains strong. Ongoing population growth and rising sport participation at professional and community levels will drive demand for new and upgraded facilities. Urban expansion corridors, like Western Sydney, Greater Geelong and South-East Queensland, are already seeing significant investment in multipurpose precincts, while projects like Tasmania’s Macquarie Point Stadium and Victoria’s Wyndham City Stadium will open new revenue streams in the coming years. Festivals of non-sporting events, from major concerts to community functions, will continue to smooth seasonal volatility and bolster usage.Preparations for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games continue to encourage growth. State and federal governments have committed to extensive facility upgrades and greenfield developments, ensuring venues meet Olympic standards while leaving a legacy of modern infrastructure. That’s why industry revenue is poised to grow steadily through 2029-30 to reach $2.7 billion, growing at an annualised rate of 2.7%, driven by a blend of elite sporting events, community engagement and diversified entertainment offerings.

Water treatment services are intertwined with Australia's wider water security – purification and wastewater management are essential for making the most of existing resources and reducing any environmental harms. The Millennium drought in the 2000s still reverberates today, as public and private sector funding flows to improving water security. An expanding population has ensured ongoing demand for water treatment, as more households require stable drinking water and sewage management services. While industrial demand fluctuated over the course of the pandemic, food and beverage manufacturers have continued to rely on water in their production processes. In recent years, mining firms have cashed in on surging commodity prices, with corresponding demand for water to extract and process minerals. On the other hand, high annual rainfall has reduced the volume of demand for bulk water purification and steep fluctuations in migration have slowed population growth. Together these trends contributed to revenue declining at an annualised 3.2% over the past five years, including a 1.4% fall in 2024-25, to total an estimated $6.7 billion. Looking ahead, climate change and population growth will pressure water treatment providers to amplify existing resources and deal with stretched water availability. The water supply chain is bracing for potential climate change impacts, implementing mitigation strategies to ensure long-term water security. Water treatment techniques that focus on recycling existing resources, like desalination, will be relied on to bolster the water supply. As Australia's transition to renewable energy sources builds momentum, water treatment providers are embracing biogas to fuel their energy-intensive processes. This kind of innovation will be needed to improve existing approaches, and explore new avenues for water treatment. Conversely, these ventures will need a flurry of capital investments, which will lift fixed costs in the industry. Higher capital costs will flow through to higher bills for consumers. Overall, revenue is projected to grow at an annualised 1.2% over the next five years, and is forecast to reach $7.1 billion.

The rent price index in Australia in the first quarter of 2025 was *****, marking an increase from the same quarter of the previous year. Rent prices had decreased in 2020; in Melbourne and Sydney, this was mainly attributed to the absence of international students during the coronavirus outbreak. The current state of the rental market in Australia The rental market in Australia has been marked by varying conditions across different regions. Among the capital cities, Sydney has long been recognized for having some of the highest average rents. As of March 2025, the average weekly rent for a house in Sydney was *** Australian dollars, which was the highest average rent across all major cities in Australia that year. Furthermore, due to factors like population growth and housing demand, regional areas have also seen noticeable increases in rental prices. For instance, households in the non-metropolitan area of New South Wales’ expenditure on rent was around ** percent of their household income in the year ending June 2024. Housing affordability in Australia Housing affordability remains a significant challenge in Australia, contributing to a trend where many individuals and families rent for prolonged periods. The underlying cause of this issue is the ongoing disparity between household wages and housing costs, especially in large cities. While renting offers several advantages, it is worth noting that the associated costs may not always align with the expectation of affordability. Approximately one-third of participants in a recent survey stated that they pay between ** and ** percent of their monthly income on rent. Recent government initiatives, such as the 2024 Help to Buy scheme, aim to make it easier for people across Australia to get onto the property ladder. Still, the multifaceted nature of Australia’s housing affordability problem requires continued efforts to strike a balance between market dynamics and the need for accessible housing options for Australians.

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Australia Construction Market Size 2025-2029

The australia construction market size is forecast to increase by USD 42.1 billion at a CAGR of 3.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant shifts driven by three key factors. Firstly, the mass population shift towards urban cities is fueling a surge in demand for residential and commercial construction projects. This trend is expected to continue as more people move to urban areas in search of employment opportunities and improved infrastructure. Secondly, the adoption of dry construction techniques is gaining momentum in the Australian construction industry. Dry construction methods, such as precast concrete and modular construction, offer numerous advantages, including faster construction times, reduced labor costs, and improved sustainability. As a result, many construction companies are investing in these methods to stay competitive and meet the increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective construction solutions. However, the market is not without its challenges. The rising cost of construction materials is a significant obstacle for construction companies in Australia. Raw materials, such as steel, cement, and timber, have seen significant price increases in recent years due to various factors, including supply chain disruptions and increased demand. This trend is putting pressure on construction companies to find ways to reduce material costs while maintaining quality and efficiency. Additionally, the industry is facing regulatory challenges, with stricter building codes and environmental regulations adding complexity to construction projects and increasing costs. To navigate these challenges, construction companies must focus on innovation, efficiency, and collaboration with suppliers and regulators to find solutions that meet the evolving needs of the market.

What will be the size of the Australia Construction Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The Australian construction market is characterized by a complex regulatory environment and a focus on innovation and sustainability. Construction industry regulations ensure building codes are met, while value engineering and construction cost management help minimize expenses. Sustainable building practices, such as energy efficiency and water conservation, are increasingly prioritized. Construction innovations, including prefabricated structures, automation, drones, and 3D printing, are transforming the industry. Construction risk analysis is crucial for project completion and scheduling, with safety regulations and quality assurance essential for workforce development. Construction equipment parts and repair, as well as heavy equipment rental, are key components of project risk assessment and cost management. The skills gap in the construction workforce is a significant challenge, with AI and modular construction offering potential solutions. Construction insurance claims and project risk assessment are integral to managing unexpected events and ensuring building performance. Construction labor shortages necessitate continuous workforce development and the adoption of new technologies.

How is this market segmented?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. SectorBuilding constructionInfrastructure constructionIndustrial constructionEnd-userEngineeringResidentialNon-residentialTypeNew constructionRedevelopmentGeographyAPACAustralia

By Sector Insights

The building construction segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The construction industry in Australia is marked by significant growth in both residential and commercial sectors. With an increasing population of 26.05 million people in 2022, according to World Bank Data, the demand for housing, whether single-family homes or multi-unit developments, is on the rise. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have seen an increase in high-rise apartment projects to cater to the urban population. In commercial construction, the growing business sector fuels the demand for office and retail space. Environmental regulations play a crucial role in the industry, with a focus on sustainable practices and green building. Construction technology advances have led to innovations such as 3D modeling, construction software, and automation in heavy machinery like skid steer loaders and backhoe loaders. Construction safety is a top priority, with worksite safety regulations strictly enforced. Construction projects require substantial investment capital, from construction financing

Australia's café and restaurant scene continues to thrive, with New South Wales leading the way with over 19,225 establishments in operation at the end of the 2024 financial year. The second-leading state in terms of the number of cafés and restaurants was Victoria. As Australia's two largest states in terms of population, the concentration of food service establishments in New South Wales and Victoria mirrors Australia's population distribution, reflecting the urban-centric nature of the country's café and restaurant landscape. Gastronomy: a key economic sector In recent years, the number of cafés and restaurants throughout the country has shown relatively consistent growth, exceeding 55,700 in the 2024 financial year, up from approximately 41,570 in 2017. Australia's cafés, restaurants, and takeaway food services turnover experienced steady annual increases for many years up until the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, since 2021, the industry's revenue has been on the recovery, hitting a record of over 65 billion Australian dollars in 2024. Additionally, food services represent a key source of gross value added to the tourism industry. An added boost from coffee Coffee plays an important role in the Australian food service sector, with the beverage topping the list of regularly consumed drinks among Australians in a 2024 survey. Several international chains like McCafé operate alongside popular domestic coffee franchises, including The Coffee Club, in the country. Alongside this, the country's annual domestic coffee consumption remains robust, consistently exceeding two million sixty-kilogram bags in recent years, underscoring the enduring nature of Australia's coffee culture. Nonetheless, recent cost-of-living pressures have led to a shift in consumer behavior, with more Australians opting to brew their coffee at home.

At the 2021 Australian census, 278,043 people in New South Wales were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. New South Wales is Australia’s most populated state, also housing Australia’s largest city, Sydney. By comparison, Australia’s second largest state, Victoria, was home to around 66 thousand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

There are around 800,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, which represents just over three percent of the Australian population. Indigenous people are often referred to as Australia's first people or the traditional custodians of the land in recognition of their ancestors inhabiting Australia more than 60,000 years ago. Australia's Indigenous peoples are represented by two distinct groups. Aboriginal people come from the Australian mainland. Torres Strait Islander people inhabit the group of Islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea and represent less than 40,000 people.

Closing the gap

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience significantly poorer health and wellbeing outcomes when compared to their non-Indigenous Australian counterparts. The average life expectancy of Indigenous Australians is around eight years shorter than that of the non-Indigenous population. In education, Indigenous Australians are also underrepresented, but attendance rates are improving and in 2019, full-time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students numbered well over 200,000 people.

In 2024, Sydney had the highest price per square meter of land across major cities in Australia. Lot buyers expected to pay a premium of ***** Australian dollars per square meter in the capital of New South Wales. Conversely, lot buyers in Adelaide expected to spend around *** Australian dollars per square meter of land. Prices through the roof Over the past decade, the surge in land and housing costs has been attributed to rapid population growth, driving up median prices for property and land, particularly in cities. In Sydney, the per square meter price of land has almost tripled since 2010, while the number of new property listings has declined over the years. A shortage of residential land available to build on has exacerbated the housing affordability crisis in Australia. Will lending rates continue to climb? The homeownership dream is out of reach for the average Australian without a housing loan. Nevertheless, Australia's high mortgage interest rates for both owner-occupiers and investors have impacted current and aspiring mortgage holders, with the value of household lending trending downwards over the past two years. While rates remained high in the first half of 2024, they likely reached their peak, as shown by the gradual plateau in the second half of the year. This stabilization should, in turn, accelerate buying, selling, and lending activities.

As of January 2023, the total number of registered vehicles in Australia was more than ** million. That year, the number of passenger vehicles in Australia amounted to approximately ***** million. Light commercial vehicles, which accounted for about **** million, came next. Vehicle industry in Australia In recent times, Australia's automotive sector has experienced notable transformations. Global trends are reflected in the market's increasing popularity of SUVs and electric automobiles. Australia saw ***** electric car sales in the first half of 2021, demonstrating an impressive level of resilience in electric vehicle sales in the face of the ongoing worldwide coronavirus pandemic and overall trends in new vehicle sales. Furthermore, environmental concerns have impacted the car industry, resulting in an increased emphasis on emission limits and the integration of cleaner technologies. Projected car emissions in Australia are expected to decrease from approximately ** million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2030 to ** million in 2035. Overall, transport emissions are also set to slightly decrease from *** million metric tons in 2030 to ** million in 2035. Australian electric vehicle sector For several reasons, the switch to electric vehicles has been gaining popularity in Australia. Many people are choosing electric vehicles as they become more aware of their carbon footprint and want to lessen their reliance on fossil fuels and air pollution. The increasing availability of charging infrastructure across the country also makes EVs a practical and viable option for many Australians. Investments in public electric vehicle charging infrastructure persist, and the number of charging stations has experienced substantial growth since 2020.