India is Australia’s Largest Source of Overseas-Born Migrants, overtaking UK: ABS Data

Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows a historic shift in immigration trends as India surpasses England as the top overseas-born population in Australia

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Key Highlights

  • India is now the largest source of migrants to Australia, with 971,020 Indian-born residents
  • The Indian-born population has surged from 90,680 in 2000, making it the fastest-growing migrant group in the country.
  • Since 2015 alone, the number has nearly doubled, rising from 522,000 to over 971,000 in 2025.
  • Australia’s overseas-born population has reached a record 8.83 million (32%), close to its historic peak.
  • India leads in key states like Victoria and remains among the top three migrant groups across New South Wales and Queensland.

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India is now the leading source of migrants to Australia, according to the latest data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for June 2025.


The figures show 971,020 Indian-born residents living in Australia, narrowly overtaking England (970,950) for the first time. This marks a sharp rise from 2000, when the Indian-born population stood at just 90,680, making it one of the fastest-growing migrant groups in the country.


Overall, Australia’s overseas-born population has reached 8.83 million, accounting for 32 per cent of the total population — up from 23 per cent 25 years ago. The share is now close to the historic highs recorded in the late 19th century.

A grab showing the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) statistics: 971,020 Indian-borns now reside in Australia, followed by England, China and NZ
A grab showing the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) statistics: 971,020 Indian-borns now reside in Australia, followed by England, China and NZ
Image sourced from ABS/Instagram

Indian migration has been a key driver of this growth. Since 2015, the number of Indian-born residents has nearly doubled, rising from 522,000 to current levels. India is followed by China (731,540), New Zealand (637,680) and the Philippines (412,530) among the top countries of origin.


The distribution varies across states. In Victoria, India ranks as the top country of birth among migrants, while it features among the top three in New South Wales and Queensland.


The median age of overseas-born residents stands at 43, compared to 35 for Australian-born populations, reflecting different migration waves over time.


Which country has the highest number of migrants in Australia?

India is now the largest country of birth among migrants in Australia, surpassing England in 2025.

How many Indian-born people live in Australia?

There are 971,020 Indian-born residents in Australia as of June 2025.

How fast has the Indian migrant population grown?

It has grown nearly tenfold since 2000, from 90,680 to over 971,000.

What percentage of Australia’s population is overseas-born?

About 32% of Australia’s population is born overseas, according to the latest data.

Which other countries contribute the most migrants to Australia?

After India, the top countries include England, China, New Zealand, and the Philippines.