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Planning
Planning

Population projections

We prepare population projections for the state, regions and all local government areas in NSW.

The 2022 NSW Population Projections show:

  • NSW is expected to grow on average by over 85,000 people each year until 2041.
  • Based on recent trends regional NSW's population will increase by 570,000 to 3.7 million in 2041.
  • Greater Sydney’s population will grow to approximately 6.1 million by 2041 — over a million more people than currently live in the region.

Explore the population in your area

 

NSW population growth timeline

2016

7,732,858

2021

8,166,757

2026

8,462,770

2031

8,933,640

2036

9,404,886

2041

9,872,934

Explore population projections

Family enjoying a day out in the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. Credit: Destination NSW
Projections
Family outside apartment block in Telopea, North West Sydney, NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Adam Hollingworth
Projections methodology
Famiy enjoying a day of cycling along the Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, West Albury. Credit: Destination NSW
A changing population
Father and daughter enjoying a walk along the Newcastle Memorial Walk, The Hill. Credit: Destination NSW
Explore the data