Australia’s Baby Bust Deepens: National Fertility Rate Hits Near Record Low
Sydney, Australia – Australia’s already declining birth rate has worsened in 2024, driven by sustained cost-of-living pressures, particularly in major cities. Preliminary analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics population data by KPMG reveals a national fertility rate of 1.51 children per woman – statistically unchanged from 2023, but significantly below the 1.8 rate recorded a decade ago.
The decline is most pronounced in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with fewer children being born per woman compared to the previous year. This downward trend was only partially offset by increases in birth rates in Perth and regional Australia, highlighting a growing demographic divide.
urban vs. Rural: A Growing Divide
The data indicates a clear pattern: Australians in outer-suburban and regional areas are increasingly more likely to have larger families than their counterparts in inner cities. This shift underscores the impact of financial constraints on family planning decisions.
“Not much has changed for people who are looking at having a family or thinking about extending their family; they are really struggling,” explains Amanda Davies, Professor of Demography at the University of Western Australia. “There’s a feeling they need to have secure housing before starting a family, and that extreme housing crisis that’s being faced in all parts of Australia is [related] to that declining fertility rate.”
Cost of Living & Future Uncertainty
The ongoing affordability crisis, encompassing housing, childcare, and general living expenses, is a primary driver behind the trend. Young families are increasingly delaying or forgoing having children altogether. This aligns with a global phenomenon of falling birthrates, fueled by economic uncertainty and a lack of confidence in the future.
The declining fertility rate raises long-term concerns about Australia’s future population growth and economic stability.Experts suggest addressing the housing crisis and providing greater financial support for families are crucial steps to reversing this trend.
[Interactive Map of Australian Fertility Rates]
What’s Next?
The latest data serves as a stark warning about the challenges facing Australian families. without meaningful intervention, the nation’s baby bust is likely to continue, with perhaps far-reaching consequences for the country’s social and economic landscape.
Learn More:
Global Birthrates Dropping: The Guardian
Declining Birth Rates & Prosperity: The Guardian
