Analysis at the state, regional and local area level provides valuable insights into our ever changing population.
Over the 5 years to 2024:
- the total population increased from 1.77 million to 1.88 million, at an average increase of around 22,100 people per year, and a growth rate of 1.25%
- net overseas migration (NOM) contributed an average of 15,800 per year, boosted by strong post-COVID recovery
- net interstate migration (NIM) resulted in an average annual gain of around 370 people. Losses of more than 3,000 per year in 2018 and 2019 were offset by gains during and post-COVID (4,850 in 2021)
- Natural increase (NI) contributed an average of 4,090 people per year.
Components of growth
The following chart shows quarterly population growth by components from 2014 to 2024.
- Between 2017 and 2020 increases in NOM and a reduction in NIM losses began to steadily boost the state’s population growth.
- COVID-19 resulted in a loss in overseas migration in 2021, offset partly by a slight increase in NIM.
- COVID-19 recovery has been strong, with NOM gains peaking at over 29,900 in the September 2023 quarter. From June 2023, NIM losses have returned, but are smaller than those experienced prior to 2020.
- Natural increase (NI) was relatively steady from 2013 to 2016 but has started a noticeable decline in recent years due to an ageing population and decreasing fertility rates.
Between 2019 and 2024 Greater Adelaide grew by 96,749 people from 1.37 million to 1.47 million at an average of 19,350 or 1.41% per year. 87.5% of South Australia's total population growth between 2019 and 2024 occurred in the Greater Adelaide Capital City region.
Over the 5 years to 2024, regional South Australia's population increased by 13,867 people to reach 408,848. Over this time the average growth rate was 0.70%.
Annual population growth for Greater Adelaide Capital City and regional South Australia is displayed in the figure below. Population growth in South Australia has recovered strongly post COVID-19** and the subsequent return of overseas migration. Migration levels have returned to normal levels in 2024 following the initial resurgence in 2023.
**International borders closed in March 2020 and remained closed throughout the 2020 - 2021 reporting period. They were mostly re-opened from early 2022. State borders were also closed intermittently through this period.
