Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Population in Australia: 812,728 (2021 Census)

According to the 2021 Australian Census, there were 812,728 people who identified as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin.

Key Demographics

• Percentage of total population: 3.3% (up from 2.8% in 2016, 2.5% in 2011).
• Age structure: Median age 24 (non-Indigenous: 38) — young, growing population.
• Geographic distribution:
  • New South Wales: 278,043 (34%)
  • Queensland: 237,303 (29%)
  • Western Australia: 100,512 (12%)
  • Northern Territory: 74,546 (9%) — 30.8% of NT population
  • Victoria: 65,646 (8%)
  • South Australia: 42,023 (5%)
  • Tasmania: 30,186 (4%)
  • ACT: 8,469 (1%)
• Identification: 91% Aboriginal only, 5% Torres Strait Islander only, 4% both.

Census Methodology

• Self-identification on Census form (question: "Is the person of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?").
• Undercount estimated ~17% (ABS Post Enumeration Survey) — true population likely ~950,000+.
• Increased identification (not just births) drives growth — greater willingness to self-ID.

Significance

Data drives Closing the Gap targets (health, education, employment, justice, language, land), funding allocation, and parliamentary representation. The 2023 Voice Referendum (defeated) sought constitutional recognition and advisory body.

Australia's First Peoples are diverse (250+ language groups), resilient, and growing—demographically and culturally.