Australia’s fertility rate hits a new low
The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) confirms that Australia’s birth rate continues to slide, with the total fertility rate dipping to a record low of 1.48 babies per woman in 2024. This marks a further decline from 2023 and reinforces a multi-decade trend toward smaller family sizes in cities and regional areas alike.
Alongside the falling fertility rate, the ABS data shows a shift in the age structure of new parents. The median age for mothers rose to 32.1 in 2024, while fathers’ median age edged up to 33.9. Beidar Cho, the ABS head of demography, noted that several forces are pushing Australians to start families later, including higher educational attainment and greater workforce participation among women.
Comparative changes over the past decade reveal a clear aging trend: the median age for mothers has increased by about 1.2 years and for fathers by roughly 0.9 years since 2014.
Why are Australians delaying parenthood?
Demographers emphasize that the low fertility rate isn’t simply a matter of personal choice; it reflects structural barriers that make family formation increasingly difficult. Dr Liz Allen of the Australian National University points to a complex mix of housing affordability, economic security, gender inequality and climate concerns as key factors limiting young Australians’ ability to have children.
“Total fertility rates are not a problem in their own right. If it’s an indication of choice and empowerment, then who are we to say it’s bad?” Dr Allen said, highlighting the broader pressures that shape family planning decisions.
Housing is a central constraint, with many households pushed toward suburban or fringe locations where land and housing are comparatively more affordable. This geographic dynamic helps explain why fertility is often lower inside major city centers like Sydney and Melbourne, where affordability challenges are more acute.
Economic pressures and policy gaps
Economic uncertainty and the cost of living play prominent roles in decisions about expanding a family. For households already juggling mortgage payments, childcare costs and daily expenses, the prospect of raising children becomes daunting. Some individuals and couples feel compelled to postpone or forego parenthood until the financial landscape improves.
Australia’s policy environment is also a factor. While some reforms offer targeted support, experts argue that comprehensive, long-term measures addressing affordable housing, wage growth and childcare access have not kept pace with changing family needs. Projections from the ABS suggest that, if current trends continue, mortality may outnumber births by the mid-2050s in some regions, underscoring the demographic stakes involved.
Real-life perspectives: what this means for families
For many Australians, personal circumstances trump national statistics. Cassie Tweddle, a 33-year-old hairdresser, describes the dilemma of balancing a desire for a family with the realities of renting, housing costs and childcare. “We aren’t having kids because you have to choose one thing. You can’t afford to buy a house, commute to work and pay for childcare,” she explained, illustrating how affordability shapes life choices.
These stories are echoed by a broader cohort of prospective parents who feel constrained by a combination of housing scarcity and price pressure, limited access to affordable childcare, and concerns about long-term financial stability.
Looking beyond Australia: what other nations are doing
International examples show a spectrum of approaches to the birth-rate challenge. In Poland, for instance, incentives tied to housing and other life events are being trialed to encourage family formation, while other countries have experimented with direct cash supports for childcare and assisted reproductive technology. Analysts emphasize that policy innovation must address both the direct costs of parenting and the structural barriers that keep people from starting families.
What comes next for Australia
With fertility rates at historic lows and the population aging, policymakers face a delicate balancing act between supporting families and managing broader economic constraints. The ABS data provides a critical benchmark for calibrating housing, childcare, and social supports. For citizens, the takeaway is clear: the costs and challenges of parenting—now more than ever—are shaping life choices across the country.
