Australia: fertility rate 1960-2022

In 2022, Australia's fertility rate reached its lowest ever figure, at fewer than 1.63 children born per women of childbearing age. In general, Australia’s fertility rate has been fairly consistent throughout the past four decades, fluctuating between 1.7 and two births per woman, however the recent drop in fertility may be a result of the Covid-19 pandemic - it remains to be seen what the full extent of the pandemic will be on demographic trends.

Population aging in Australia

Like most other developed nations, Australia has been experiencing population ageing, driven by declining fertility rate and increased longevity, with an average life expectancy at birth of 83 years in 2020. Amid the pandemic, Australia also witnessed a noticeable decrease in the number of births to approximately 294.4 thousand, the lowest value since 2011.

“No kids attached”

Childfree couples could become the norm in Australia, as couples living without children are expected to become Australia’s most common family type in a few years’ time. While many families may suffer from involuntary childlessness, other couples would opt for a childfree life for various reasons. Especially in times of COVID-19, couples might not want to risk having children with increasing job insecurity.

Fertility rate in Australia from 1960 to 2022

Characteristic	Number of children born per woman
2022	1.63
2021	1.7
2020	1.58
2019	1.66
2018	1.74
2017	1.74
2016	1.75
2015	1.81
2014	1.83
2013	1.86
2012	1.92
2011	1.93
2010	1.93
2009	1.97
2008	1.98
2007	1.96
2006	1.91
2005	1.81
2004	1.77
2003	1.75
2002	1.76
2001	1.74
2000	1.76
1999	1.76
1998	1.76
1997	1.78
1996	1.8
1995	1.82
1994	1.84
1993	1.86
1992	1.89
1991	1.85
1990	1.9
1989	1.84
1988	1.83
1987	1.85
1986	1.87
1985	1.92
1984	1.84
1983	1.92
1982	1.93
1981	1.94
1980	1.89
1979	1.91
1978	1.95
1977	2.01
1976	2.06
1975	2.15
1974	2.4
1973	2.49
1972	2.74
1971	2.96
1970	2.86
1969	2.89
1968	2.89
1967	2.85
1966	2.88
1965	2.98
1964	3.15
1963	3.33
1962	3.44
1961	3.54
1960	3.45