Latest Statistics on Aboriginal Australians from the 2021 Census

Overview

The 2021 Australian Census revealed significant demographic, social, and economic data about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges within these communities.

Population Growth

• Population Size: As of 2021, there were 812,728 people who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, representing 3.2% of the total Australian population. This is an increase from 649,171 in 2016​ (Australian Bureau of Statistics)​​ (Australian Bureau of Statistics)​.

• Geographical Distribution: The majority of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population resides in New South Wales (34.2%) and Queensland (29.2%), followed by Western Australia and the Northern Territory. The Northern Territory has the highest proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people relative to its total population, at 30.8%​ (Australian Bureau of Statistics)​.

Age and Demographics

• Median Age: The median age of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was 24 years in 2021, which is significantly younger compared to the non-Indigenous median age of 38 years. This reflects a youthful population with a high proportion of individuals under the age of 15​ (Australian Bureau of Statistics)​​ (Australian Bureau of Statistics)​.

Education and Employment

• Educational Attainment: There have been improvements in educational outcomes, with more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people attaining higher levels of education. However, disparities remain, particularly in remote areas where access to educational resources is limited​ (Australian Bureau of Statistics)​.

• Employment Status: The participation rate in the labor force for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 and over was 54.1% in 2021, up from 51.9% in 2016. Employment rates have also increased, but the unemployment rate remains higher compared to the non-Indigenous population​ (Australian Bureau of Statistics)​.

Housing and Living Conditions

• Home Ownership: The rate of home ownership among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households increased to 42.3% in 2021 from 39.6% in 2016. Additionally, 81.4% of people lived in appropriately sized (not overcrowded) dwellings in 2021, reflecting an improvement in living conditions​ (Australian Bureau of Statistics)​.

• Median Incomes: Median weekly incomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have increased, with personal median income at $540, family median income at $1,527, and household median income at $1,507 in 2021​ (Australian Bureau of Statistics)​.

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

• Languages: There are over 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages spoken in Australia. The most commonly spoken languages include those from the Arnhem Land and Daly River regions, as well as Torres Strait Island languages​ (Australian Bureau of Statistics)​.

Conclusion

The 2021 Census data provides valuable insights into the current state of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia. While there have been notable improvements in education, employment, and living conditions, significant disparities remain. Addressing these challenges requires continued effort and collaboration between governments, communities, and organizations to ensure a more equitable future for all Australians.

For more detailed information, you can explore the full data sets and analyses provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on their official website.