Australia: Number of Births, by year
YearNumber of births,
in thousands
2022302.99
2021315.21
2020293.76
2019303.95
2018304.13
2017305.22
2016311.80
2015306.30
2014310.50
  • Region: Australia
  • Time period: 2014 to 2022
  • Published: Dec 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 11, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Significant Decline in Births in 2023

The number of births in Australia experienced a dramatic drop to 71.14 thousand in 2023 from 302.99 thousand in 2022. This represents an unprecedented decrease, highlighting a significant demographic shift within a single year.

Peak Birth Rate in 2021

Birth rates reached their peak in 2021 with 315.21 thousand births, marking the highest point within the decade. This year stands out as a period of increased birth rates before experiencing fluctuations in subsequent years.

Stable Birth Rates Before 2020

Between 2014 and 2019, birth rates in Australia were relatively stable, fluctuating slightly but generally remaining around the 305 thousand to 311.8 thousand range. This period indicates a phase of demographic stability prior to the fluctuations seen in the following years.

2020 Marks the Beginning of Fluctuations

The year 2020 saw a decline to 293.76 thousand births, setting off a period of notable fluctuations in birth rates. This year marks a pivotal point, leading to the peak in 2021 and the significant decrease observed in 2023.

Decreasing Trend Over the Last Four Years

Despite the peak in 2021, analyzing the data from 2020 to 2023 reveals a decreasing trend in the number of births, with a sharp decline in 2023 emphasizing this downward trajectory. The fluctuation culminates in the lowest number of births recorded in the decade in 2023.

High Birth Rates in the Mid-2010s

The mid-2010s experienced consistently high birth rates, with 2016 recording 311.8 thousand births, one of the highest numbers in the decade. This period demonstrates a time of higher fertility rates before the recent decreases.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the birth rates reach their peak?

Birth rates reached their peak in 2021 with 315.21 thousand births.

What was the trend in birth rates in Australia in recent years?

Between 2014 and 2019, the birth rates in Australia remained stable, generally around the 305 thousand to 311.8 thousand range.

Terms and Definitions

Birth Rate refers to the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population in a given year. It is a key demographic indicator that helps understand the rate of natural increase in a population.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is the average number of children a woman would have if she were to live through her childbearing years (15-49 years) and bear children at each age in accordance with prevailing age-specific fertility rates.

Population Growth Rate is the percentage increase in a population over a specific period, usually calculated on an annual basis. It factors in births, deaths, and net migration.

Crude Birth Rate (CBR) is the number of live births occurring among the population of a given geographical area during a given year, per 1,000 mid-year total population of the given geographical area during the same year.

Age-Specific Fertility Rate (ASFR) is the number of births to women in a specific age group (for example, 15-19 years) per 1,000 women in that age group in a given year.

Perinatal Mortality Rate is the number of stillbirths and deaths in the first week of life per 1,000 live births.

Gross Reproduction Rate (GRR) is the average number of daughters a woman would have if she lived through her reproductive years (15-49) and bore children according to the current schedule of age-specific fertility rates.

Infant Mortality Rate is the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births in a given year.

Net Reproduction Rate (NRR) is the average number of daughters a woman would have if she were subject, throughout her life, to the fertility and mortality rates existing at a given time. If the Net Reproduction Rate is exactly 1, each generation of 1000 women gives birth exactly to another 1000 women. If it is less than 1 the population shrinks, and if it is greater than 1 the population grows.
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