The Detailed Map of Australian Population Density
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When it comes to understanding the geographic distribution of Australia’s population, few resources are as illuminating as the detailed population density map released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Drawing on data from the 2011 national census, this innovative visualization provides an unprecedented view of where Australians call home.
According to the latest ABS regional population figures, the country’s overall population density sits at around 3.3 people per square kilometer. However, the new density map reveals the stark contrasts across this vast continent.
The map clearly shows the heavy concentration of residents along the eastern seaboard and southwestern corners – home to major metropolises like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. These coastal hubs account for the lion’s share of Australia’s 26 million people, with over 85% living within 50 kilometers of the ocean. Cities like the Gold Coast and Central Coast continue to see rapid population growth as Australians are drawn to the appealing lifestyle.
In contrast, the map paints a very different picture of the Australian interior. Large swaths of the Outback register less than 1 person per square kilometer, underlining the immense challenges of sustaining human settlement in these remote, arid regions. Only a handful of regional centers like Alice Springs manage to carve out an existence in this harsh landscape.
Interestingly, the density map also highlights pockets of relative population concentration throughout inland areas. These likely correspond to key resource hubs, agricultural zones, and other economic drivers that have attracted residents beyond the coastal fringe.
For those looking to explore Australia’s population and geography in greater depth, here are some excellent map resources available on Amazon:
