Female population aged 18 and older

IBISWorld expects the female population aged 18 and older to climb by 1.8% during 2025-26, to reach 11,289,094 people. The growth rate of the female population aged 18 and over is projected to hike during the year, in line with Australia's total population growth. Even so, net migration is expected to drop in 2025-26, as recent Federal Budgets and Home Affairs updates have signalled a move towards more sustainable migration levels. Migration is a key contributor to growth in the lower age bracket of this demographic. Strong growth in the older demographic is expected to offset the slump in net migration.

Over the past five years, the number of women aged 18 and older in Australia has steadily increased. This growth has been primarily fuelled by rising life expectancy, ongoing net migration and the natural progression of birth cohorts into adulthood. Improvements in healthcare and overall living standards have enabled more women to remain in this demographic for longer, extending population longevity. Recent trends show that global instability and climate change are motivating people to move to safer, more stable countries, further enhancing Australia's appeal as a migration destination. Australia's strong reputation for political and economic stability, high-quality healthcare and personal safety continues to attract female migrants. Increased migration has contributed to growth in the female population aged 18 and older. IBISWorld forecasts the female population aged 18 and older to mount at a compound annual rate of 2.1% through the end of 2025-26.