Australia Then and Now: 45 Years of Extraordinary Change

Australians just completed the 2026 Census, the largest and most important statistical exercise conducted in this country which provide a snapshot of who we are, where we live, how we work, what our households look like and how our society is changing.

Of course, Census results are more than a collection of interesting facts. They influence where governments build schools, hospitals and roads, where businesses invest and, for property investors, where future housing demand is likely to emerge.

In today's episode Simon Kuestenmacher  and I use the Census as an opportunity to look back at how Australia has changed since 1981, when our population was only 14.5 million.

We examine how Australia has nearly doubled its population since 1981 while continuing to concentrate growth in its established cities.

We explore how smaller households, later family formation and an ageing population are reshaping housing demand and property markets.

We discuss the nation's changing migration patterns, increasing cultural diversity and the shift away from traditional religious affiliations.

We consider what Australia's projected growth towards 40 million people could mean for infrastructure, housing affordability, city planning and future investment decisions.

Takeaways

• Australia's population growth has intensified pressure on established cities

• Population growth without new cities has increased land values

• Smaller households require more dwellings across Australia

• Later family formation is reshaping housing preferences