Australia Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Australia's net migration was 137,109 in 2025, ranked 206th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Australia's net migration stood at 137,109 in 2025, a decline of +1,401 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 146,184 by 2026. Australia ranked 206th globally.
Australia’s net migration in 2025 was 137,109.00, placing the country 206th globally, a modest rise from the earliest recorded figure of 85,707.00 in 1960. The long‑term trajectory shows pronounced volatility, with the all‑time peak of 275,773.00 occurring in 2008 during a period of strong skilled‑worker demand and relatively generous visa policies, and the all‑time trough of 23,833.00 in 1993 reflecting tighter immigration controls and a sluggish domestic economy. Over the 66‑year coverage, Australia’s net inflows have generally trended upward, remaining comparable to peer nations such as Japan (140,579.00) and South Africa (146,370.00). The recent increase suggests that policy reforms aimed at addressing labor shortages and demographic aging are bearing fruit, and if economic conditions remain favorable, net migration is likely to continue its gradual ascent, further bolstering population growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 153,828 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 150,006 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 146,184 | - | - |
| 2025 | 137,109 | −1,401 | #206 |
| 2024 | 138,510 | −1,722 | #202 |
| 2023 | 140,232 | −740 | #197 |
| 2022 | 140,972 | +24,204 | #192 |
| 2021 | 116,768 | +72,321 | #200 |
| 2020 | 44,447 | −162,695 | #192 |
| 2019 | 207,142 | −19,270 | #205 |
| 2018 | 226,412 | −28,611 | #203 |
| 2017 | 255,023 | +375 | #205 |
| 2016 | 254,648 | +42,298 | #207 |
| 2015 | 212,350 | +12,173 | #204 |
| 2014 | 200,177 | −15,646 | #203 |
| 2013 | 215,823 | −19,953 | #202 |
| 2012 | 235,776 | +38,119 | #205 |
| 2011 | 197,657 | +30,905 | #203 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Australia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Australia's net migration was 137,109 in 2025. Ranked 206th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
Australia's net migration peaked at 275,773 in 2008.
The lowest net migration in Australia was 23,833 in 1993.
Australia ranks 206th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Australia's net migration is projected to reach 146,184 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Australia in 2025 was 137,109. This ranks 206th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_australia_net-migration,
title = {Australia Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/australia/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}