India-born individuals have overtaken those born in England to become Australia's largest migrant group for the first time. As of 30 June 2025, 971,020 people born in India resided in Australia, accounting for approximately 5.2 per cent of the nation's population. This milestone marks a significant demographic shift, as the number of India-born residents has surged while the England-born population has steadily declined over the past decade.
Population Statistics
Overall, Australia's overseas-born population reached 8.8 million in 2025, representing 32 per cent of the country's total population of 27.6 million. The growth in the India-born community is part of a broader trend of increasing migration from Asian countries, which has reshaped Australia's cultural and demographic landscape.
Political Implications
The rise in migration has become a contentious political issue, particularly linked to Australia's housing shortage. Critics argue that high immigration levels exacerbate housing affordability problems, fueling anti-immigration sentiment and support for populist parties. The government faces pressure to balance economic benefits of migration with concerns about infrastructure and social cohesion.
In full, the shift highlights the changing face of Australian society, with India-born migrants now forming the largest overseas-born group, a position held by English migrants for decades.
