The population of New South Wales at September 30 2016 was 7,757,800 which was an increase of just under 110,000 on the previous year. At June 2015, the median age (the age at which half the population is older and half is younger) of the NSW population was 37.9 years. Reflecting their continued higher life expectancy. 16% of NSW residents were aged 65 years and over.

The estimated population density in New South Wales is 9 persons per square kilometre which makes it the third highest density after the A.C.T. (152.5 persons per sq. km) and Victoria (24.4 persons per sq. km).

Birthplace

Less than 3 per cent of the resident population are indigenous and almost 20 per cent were born overseas.

The majority of overseas born residents in New South Wales began life in North Western Europe (7%) and then followed by Australia’s nearer Oceania neighbours such as New Zealand. English was the only language spoken at home by 75% of the population, with Chinese, Arabic and Italian the next most common languages spoken.