10 Australian Trends to Watch in the Next 10 Years
By: Mark McCrindle
Over the next 10 years, Australia will hit demographic milestones that point out how rapidly the nation, states and territories, and the cities are changing. Social shifts are occurring as Australians live longer, have children later and work longer.
10 trends to prepare for the next 10 years in Australia
2025
Generation Beta begin being born, marking the first time seven generations have been alive at once.
2026
Western Sydney’s international airport will open, marking the birth of the aerotropolis.
2027
Gen Z will enter the parenting life stage (as 2027 marks the year that the oldest Gen Zs reach 31, which is the median age of mothers at first birth).
2028
The oldest Generation Alphas will vote in their first federal election.
2029
New South Wales will reach a population of nine million while Sydney will approach six million.
2030
Australia will reach a population of 30 million people, and South Australia will reach two million. The oldest Gen Betas will start primary school.
2031
Melbourne is predicted to overtake Sydney as the largest city in Australia.
2032
The Summer Olympics will be held in South East QLD, experienced by more than six million QLD residents.
2033
The oldest Generation X workers will reach the retirement age of 67.
2034
New South Wales will reach a population of 10 million, and Victoria will hit 8.5 million.
2035
Australia will reach a population of 32 million people and life expectancy will reach 87 for females and 83 for males.
A Decade of Population and Generational Change
The next decade will be characterised by population growth, with Australia predicted to reach a population of 30 million by 2030 and 32 million by 2035.
There are major milestones ahead for many states, with New South Wales expected to reach 10 million residents, Victoria reaching eight million, Queensland reaching six million, Western Australia reaching three million and South Australia reaching two million residents. In the decade ahead Melbourne will also overtake Sydney as Australia’s largest city.
The decade to 2035 will be feature many generational landmark moments in Australia. Population growth and generational changes are happening faster than ever. Leaders need to become futurists to find the opportunity amidst the disruptions that will occur. – MCCRINDLE
Generational landmark moments will also occur as Gen Beta start school, Gen Alpha vote for the first time, Gen Z become parents and Gen X enter their retirement years.
To address these changes, leaders will do well to adopt the mindset of a futurist; that is, someone who can anticipate change, embrace disruption and find opportunities for growth.
Like a surfer, leaders position themselves for the next wave of change. They have their eyes fixed on the horizon, scanning for the next opportunity amidst disruption.
See our population map and generational profile infographic for the current state of the nation.
Article supplied with thanks to McCrindle.
About the Author: McCrindle are a team of researchers and communications specialists who discover insights, and tell the story of Australians – what we do, and who we are.
Feature image: Canva
