This statistic shows a breakdown of the student population of Australia in 2016, by city. In 2016, there were just under *** thousand students in Melbourne, followed by Sydney with around *** thousands.

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 workforce dataset contains monthly workforce sizes from July 2005 to June 2018 in the eight Australian capital cities with estimated stratification by indoor and outdoor workers. It is included in both csv and rda format. It includes variables for:

Year Month GCCSA (Greater Capital City Statistical Area, which is used to define capital cities) Date (using the first day of the month) fulltime: Fulltime workers parttime: Parttime workers n. Overall workers outorin. Estimated indoor or outdoor status

This data are derived from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Labour Force, Australia, Detailed, LM1 dataset: LM1 - Labour force status by age, greater capital city and rest of state (ASGS), marital status and sex, February 1978 onwards (pivot table). Occupational data from the 2006, 2011 and 2016 Census of Population and Housing (ABS Census TableBuilder Basic data) were used to stratify this dataset into indoor and outdoor classifications as per the "Indooroutdoor classification.xlsx" file. For the Census data, GCCSA for the place of work was used, not the place of usual residence.

Occupations were defined by the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Each 6-digit ANZSCO occupation (the lowest level classification) was manually cross-matched with their corresponding occupation(s) from the Canadian National Occupation System (NOC). ANZSCO and NOC share a similar structure, because they are both derived from the International Standard Classification of Occupations. NOC occupations listed with an “L3 location” (include main duties with outdoor work for at least part of the working day) were classified as outdoors, including occupations with multiple locations. Occupations without a listing of "L3 location" were classified as indoors (no outdoor work). 6-digit ANZSCO occupations were then aggregated to 4-digit unit groups to match the ABS Census TableBuilder Basic data. These data were further aggregated into indoor and outdoor workers. The 4-digit ANZSCO unit groups’ indoor and outdoor classifications are listed in "Indooroutdoor classification.xlsx."

ANZSCO occupations associated with both indoor and outdoor listings were classified based on the more common listing, with indoors being selected in the event of a tie. The cross-matching of ANZSCO and NOC occupation was checked against two previous cross-matches used in published Australian studies utilising older ANZSCO and NOC versions. One of these cross-matches, the original cross-match, was validated with a strong correlation between ANZSCO and NOC for outdoor work (Smith, Peter M. Comparing Imputed Occupational Exposure Classifications With Self-reported Occupational Hazards Among Australian Workers. 2013).

To stratify the ABS Labour Force detailed data by indoors or outdoors, workers from the ABS Census 2006, 2011 and 2016 data were first classified as indoors or outdoors. To extend the indoor and outdoor classification proportions from 2005 to 2018, the population counts were (1) stratified by workplace GCCSA (standardised to the 2016 metrics), (2) logit-transformed and then interpolated using cubic splines and extrapolated linearly for each month, and (3) back-transformed to the normal population scale. For the 2006 Census, workplace location was reported by Statistical Local Area and then converted to GCCSA. This interpolation method was also used to estimate the 1-monthly worker count for Darwin relative to the rest of Northern Territory (ABS worker 1-monthly counts are reported only for Northern Territory collectively).

ABS data are owned by the Commonwealth Government under a CC BY 4.0 license. The attached datasets are derived and aggregated from ABS data.

The value of commercial building activity in Australia was forecasted to amount to around **** billion Australian dollars in the 2025 fiscal year. This was around the same as the commercial building activity value as of fiscal year 2019, which reached over **** billion Australian dollars.

Commercial building activity boom

The short-term increase in commercial building activity was attributable to strong employment and population growth. Buildings such as shops, hospitals, cafes, restaurants, schools, and offices have been required to fill the needs of the increasing Australian population. In addition, warehouses, factories, and wholesale distribution facilities have been required to further support this growth. In the tourism sector, there has been a need for more accommodation options in the major tourist destinations in the country.

Office space demand

In the office segment, the nation’s larger cities such as Melbourne and Sydney have remained competitive with some of the lowest vacancy rates in the world. In Sydney, the recent COVID-19 outbreak seemed to have led to a decline in office leasing enquiries, and therefore an increase in the vacancy rate in 2020. The same trend was seen in the prime office vacancy rate in Melbourne. It is yet to be seen if the office space demand will return to pre-pandemic levels in the near future.

The Australian commercial real estate market, valued at $34.07 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.46% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. Strong population growth in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane is increasing demand for office, retail, and industrial spaces. Furthermore, the burgeoning e-commerce sector is driving significant growth in the logistics and warehousing segments. Government infrastructure investments and a generally positive economic outlook also contribute to this positive market trajectory. While rising interest rates and potential economic slowdown pose some constraints, the long-term fundamentals of the Australian economy and the ongoing need for modern commercial spaces are expected to mitigate these risks. The market is segmented by property type (office, retail, industrial & logistics, hospitality, and others) and by city (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth), reflecting diverse investment opportunities and regional variations in growth rates. Sydney and Melbourne are expected to remain dominant, given their established business ecosystems and high population densities. However, other cities such as Brisbane are witnessing significant growth driven by infrastructure development and population influx. The key players in this dynamic market, including Lendlease Corporation, Scentre Group Limited, and Mirvac, are well-positioned to capitalize on these growth opportunities. The segmentation of the market reveals significant potential within specific sectors. The industrial and logistics sector, driven by the e-commerce boom and supply chain optimization efforts, is anticipated to experience particularly strong growth. Similarly, the office sector, while facing some challenges from remote work trends, remains resilient due to the ongoing need for collaborative workspaces and central business district locations. The retail sector will continue to adapt to evolving consumer preferences, with a focus on experience-driven retail and omnichannel strategies. Careful consideration of factors like interest rate fluctuations, construction costs, and regulatory changes will be crucial for investors navigating the complexities of this dynamic market. The forecast period of 2025-2033 offers a promising outlook for sustained growth within this sector. Recent developments include: • October 2023: Costco is planning a major expansion in Australia, with several new warehouses under construction and several prime locations being considered for future locations. Costco currently operates 15 warehouses in Australia, with plans to expand to 20 within the next five years, based on current stores and potential locations., • July 2023: A 45-storey BTR tower will be developed by Lendlease and Japanese developer Daiwa House, completing the final phase of Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter project and its second Build-to-Rent (BTR) project in Australia. The USD 650 million deal, similar to Lend lease's first 443-unit BTR project under construction in the 5.5 hectares of mixed-use space at Brisbane Showground, is a stand-alone investment and is separate from the company's ongoing efforts to build a wider BTR partnership, which will include several assets.. Key drivers for this market are: Rapid Urbanization, Government Initiatives Actively promoting the Construction Activities. Potential restraints include: Rapid Urbanization, Government Initiatives Actively promoting the Construction Activities. Notable trends are: Retail real estate is expected to drive the market.

The Australian luxury residential property market, valued at $23.88 billion in 2025, is poised for robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.75% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. Strong economic performance in key cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, coupled with a burgeoning high-net-worth individual (HNWI) population, continues to underpin demand for premium properties. Furthermore, a limited supply of luxury housing stock in prime locations, combined with increasing preference for spacious, high-amenity homes, particularly villas and landed houses, contributes to sustained price appreciation. While rising interest rates present a potential restraint, the resilience of the luxury market segment, driven by wealthier buyers less susceptible to interest rate fluctuations, is expected to mitigate this effect. The market is segmented by property type (apartments/condominiums versus villas/landed houses) and location, with Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane dominating market share, reflecting their established luxury real estate markets and strong economic activity. Prominent developers like Metricon Homes, James Michael Homes, and others cater to this discerning clientele, offering bespoke designs and high-end finishes. The sustained growth trajectory indicates a promising outlook for investors and developers alike, although careful consideration of macroeconomic factors and regulatory changes will remain crucial. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates consistent market expansion, driven by ongoing demand from both domestic and international high-net-worth individuals. While the "Other Cities" segment demonstrates potential for growth, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are likely to maintain their dominant positions due to existing infrastructure, established luxury markets, and lifestyle appeal. The preference for villas and landed houses is expected to remain strong, reflecting a shift towards larger properties with increased privacy and outdoor space. However, the market will likely see some adjustments in response to economic conditions, including potential shifts in buyer preferences and developer strategies to meet evolving market demands. Maintaining a keen understanding of these dynamics will be critical for navigating the complexities of this dynamic market. Recent developments include: August 2023: Sydney-based boutique developer Made Property laid plans for a new apartment project along Sydney Harbour amid sustained demand for luxury waterfront properties. The Corsa Mortlake development, positioned on Majors Bay in the harbor city’s inner west, will deliver 20 three-bedroom apartments offering house-sized living spaces and ready access to a 23-berth marina accommodating yachts up to 20 meters. With development approval secured for the project, the company is moving quickly to construction. Made Property expects construction to be completed in late 2025., September 2023: A luxurious collection of private apartment residences planned for a prime double beachfront site in North Burleigh was released to the market for the first time with the official launch of ultra-premium apartment development Burly Residences, being delivered by leading Australian developer David Devine and his team at DD Living. The first stage of Burly Residences released to the market includes prestigious two and three-bedroom apartments – with or without multipurpose rooms – and four-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments that deliver luxury and space with expansive ocean and beach views.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Increasing Number of High Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs). Potential restraints include: 4., Increasing Number of High Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs). Notable trends are: Ultra High Net Worth Population Driving the Demand for Prime Properties.

Public transport services offer a cost-effective, convenient, safe and mostly environmentally friendly travel option to the general public. Prior to the pandemic passenger numbers were growing strongly as the population increased, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, while public transport fares also expanded. However, travel patterns changed drastically during the pandemic in response to social distancing and lockdown measures, which greatly limited passenger numbers, negatively affecting demand for public transport. Overall, revenue for public transport providers is expected to decline at 3.2% per year over the five years through 2023-24, reaching $28.2 billion. This includes an anticipated increase of 1.9% in 2023-24, partly due to an ongoing, but slow, recovery in the number of commuters. More Australians than ever are living in urban areas, generating strong demand for transport options. Regional cities have also exhibited strong population growth, with residents demanding accessible transport options to and from these towns. Car transport costs and congestion on Australian roads have both increased, encouraging commuters to switch to public transport options. Operators have undertaken efforts to expand their networks and capacity to accommodate growing populations. However, government funding for public transport in many areas has been unable to keep pace with demand, causing some unreliability with services. Public transport providers are set to expand as Australia's population is forecast to increase steadily and workers are expected to increasingly be asked to return to the office, boosting demand for public transport. New capacity and networks across the country are due to open, while improvements to ticketing systems are also set to be implemented. These factors are set to boost passenger use, which, combined with fare increases, is poised to bolster revenue. Additionally, significant investments are being made to make public transport more environmentally friendly, supporting demand from environmentally conscious consumers. Overall, revenue is projected to increase at an average of 1.3% per year over the five years through 2028-29, to total $30.0 billion.

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.

The University and Other Higher Education industry is grappling with the post-pandemic landscape. The COVID-19 outbreak significantly shifted the industry's demand and delivery methods. Social distancing requirements and operational constraints caused most universities to pivot online. Remote learning has remained embedded into teaching post-pandemic, providing convenience for students and profitability benefits for universities. A heightened focus on research during the pandemic offset revenue lost from declines in tuition fees. This trend has been slowing and is under additional threat from a US Government that appears intent on reducing its funding for foreign-based research, to the detriment of Australian institutions. The industry's labour market has been volatile as the pandemic pushed universities to increasingly casualise their workforces. Controversies over underpayment have led to reputational damage and strikes among major Australian universities. Melbourne University's enforceable agreement with the Fair Work Ombudsman to pay more than $72.0 million to over 25,000 staff highlights the magnitude of these disputes. Economic and demographic factors have aided the industry's post-pandemic recovery despite these pressures. A depreciating Australian dollar has benefited returning international students, while growth in the population of people aged 18 to 25 has bolstered domestic enrolments. Lower secondary school retention rates, slipping during the pandemic, are dampening this growth. Overall, revenue is expected to drop at an annualised 1.9% to an estimated $38.8 billion over the five years through 2024-25. This trend includes a 0.6% drop in revenue anticipated for 2024-25. The outlook for the industry is promising, driven by changing labour market conditions and demographic trends. Stricter visa requirements to control migration will pose challenges. However, the industry will face these constrictions by constructing new student accommodation facilities, allowing institutions to enrol international students beyond their designated cap. The consolidation of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia into Adelaide University in 2026 will intensify competition for enrolments, particularly from international students, given its ambitious ranking goals. These factors mean revenue is forecast to climb at an annualised 2.1% to $43.1 billion through the end of 2029-30.

The Sewerage and Drainage Services industry has had limited expansion opportunities due to stunted price increases across the country. Regulatory controls and difficult economic conditions for downstream service users have forced businesses to limit price growth over the past five years, causing revenue to stagnate. Industry revenue is expected to decline at an annualised 1.1% over the five years through 2025-26, to total $12.8 billion, including a 1.3% decline anticipated in the current year. However, strong profit margins due to a lack of direct competition between service providers have limited the impact on bottom lines. Numerous service providers have also been working on futureproofing their wastewater networks by investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades. These initiatives aim to accommodate future population growth and renew ageing sewerage infrastructure. This focus on infrastructure investment can be seen in the merger of City West Water and Western Water to form Greater Western Water in Victoria. The merger led to a $1.7 billion commitment towards capital investment for western metropolitan suburbs in Melbourne, where population growth is rapid. Rising prices and demand growth are forecast to drive revenue growth over the next five years. The completion of several new and upgraded wastewater treatment plants will also enhance the industry's capability to support a growing population. Moreover, government policies and environmental challenges are set to shift the focus to initiatives like wastewater recycling. The Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative will also support small-scale water infrastructure projects across regional Australia. This initiative will aid many rural sewerage and drainage service providers in significantly improving their water infrastructure to ensure longevity. Overall, revenue is projected to rise at an annualised 1.2% through the end of 2030-31, to $13.7 billion. However, profit margins are forecast to decline marginally over the period due to rising wage costs.

This dataset contains two different types of data that can be employed for transient hygrothermal analysis: MRYs for 30 locations across Australia completed with the climatic data necessary to generate the file, and 10 consecutive years of hourly climate parameters for Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Darwin, Hobart, Sydney, and Canberra cities, representing those locations where most of the population live. These two types of data provide the input for hygrothermal assessment as defined by the ASHRAE 160-2016

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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 and project bidding to construction c

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.