Fertility rate falls to 1.481 as Australians fear climate, AI, conflict
Australia's fertility rate dropped to 1.481 births per woman in 2024, driven by concerns about the world young adults would inherit.
Australia's fertility rate fell to 1.481 births per woman in 2024. A rate of about 2.1 is generally considered necessary to sustain a population without migration.
Young Australians cite multiple reasons for not having children, including fears of climate change, artificial intelligence, and global conflict. Rising costs also deter them.
Housing affordability and career priorities, especially for women, factor heavily in the decision. The cost of raising children has increased 134 per cent since 2003.
Two or more kids cost about $36,500 per year. The number of Australians reporting they do not want children has risen from 8 per cent in 2005 to 14 per cent in 2023.
- 1.481 births per woman
- Fertility rate in 2024
- 2.1 births per woman
- Replacement threshold
- 134 per cent since 2003
- Child-raising cost increase
- $36,500 per year
- Annual cost for two or more children
Why it mattersA shrinking birth rate raises questions about Australia's future workforce, pension systems, and aged-care demand as the population ages.
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