By James Glynn
SYDNEY–Australia’s population grew 2.2% to 26.5 million people in the 12 months to the end of March, fanned by a surge in immigration led by returning university students following the lifting of Covid-19 border closures.
Net overseas migration accounted for 81% of growth in the population, adding 454,400 people, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said Thursday.
Arrivals into Australia were up 103% at 681,000, which was offset only slightly by migrant departures of 226,600.
“This pattern, low departures in particular, is a catch-up effect after closed international borders, as international students return with only a small number departing because very few arrived during the pandemic,” the ABS said in a statement on the data.
The strength in population growth is helping to support the economy as higher interest rates otherwise damp demand, economists said. But it is also contributing to a shortage of housing and is helping to drive up house prices and rents.
“This effect is expected to be temporary as the number of departures will increase in the future as temporary students start departing in usual numbers,” it added.
There were 301,200 births and 192,300 deaths registered over the year. Covid-19 mortality was still a contributor to an increased number of deaths.
Western Australia is the fastest-growing state, with the population rising 2.8%, followed by Victoria, which rose 2.4%, and Queensland was up 2.3%, the ABS said.
The largest increase in total population was Victoria with 161,700 people, slightly more than New South Wales with 156,300 people, it added.
Write to James Glynn at james.glynn@wsj.com
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