Startling new figures have revealed fewer couples are having children, with Australia's birth rate set to drop to a historic low. The country's population recently passed 27.5million, broadly in line with projections, but growth has cooled sharply as net overseas migration also dipped. Australia's population is expected to reach 31.5milion over the next decade by 2036 (stock image)'The 2025 Population Statement provides an important evidence base on Australia's population today and what we expect will happen in the coming years.' Australia’s fertility rate is projected to fall to a new historic low of 1.42 births per woman (stock image)'Forecasting net overseas migration has been challenging since the Covid pandemic,' he said. 'From 2025-26, net overseas migration is expected to be largely in line with the forecasts in the 2024 Population Statement.'

Source: Daily Mail January 12, 2026 18:56 UTC