For the first time in history, people born in India have overtaken those born in England to become Australia's largest migrant group. According to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), at least 971,020 India-born individuals were residing in Australia as of June 30, 2025. This accounts for approximately 5.2% of the nation's total population, narrowly edging past the 970,950 residents born in England.
The India-born population has experienced the most significant surge over the past decade, while the number of English-born residents has steadily declined. In 2013, the England-born population in Australia stood at one million. Currently, China-born residents rank third with 732,000 people, followed by New Zealand with 638,000. Other notable foreign-born populations include those from the Philippines, Vietnam, South Africa, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.
Migration Trends and Demographics
Government data reveals that Australia had 8.8 million overseas-born residents in 2025, making up approximately 32% of the country's total population of 27.6 million. The remaining 18.8 million people were born within Australia. The ABS noted in its press release on Wednesday that the median age of those born overseas has fluctuated over time, peaking at 46 years in 2002 and decreasing to 44 years in 2019. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a decline in younger migrants, such as international students, the median age of the overseas-born population increased to 45 years in 2021.
The share of overseas-born residents in Australia is approaching its highest level on record, last seen at 32.4% in 1891. While migration has long been a cornerstone of Australia's economic growth, it has also become a contentious political issue, particularly amid the country's worst housing shortage in decades.
Political and Social Implications
The surge in migration has fueled support for the populist One Nation party, which has gained traction in opinion polls since last year's election. Its leader, Pauline Hanson, has campaigned against immigration for decades. Meanwhile, the Australian Human Rights Commission has warned that job insecurity and technological advancements are driving rising anti-immigration rhetoric. Hugh de Krester, president of the commission, stated on Wednesday that while a sensible debate about migration policy and rates is possible, too often this debate demonizes migrants, driving polarization and racism, which he described as wrong.
