Australia’s 32% population is immigrant, India tops, England second after leading for 125 years

India has emerged as the largest source of overseas-born residents in Australia, overtaking England for the first time on record, according to new official data.

Estimates released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that the number of India-born residents reached 971,020 as of June 30, 2025, marginally surpassing those born in England, which stood at 970,950.

For the first time in a historic shift, England, which has held a top position since 1901, has now dropped to second place. Just last year, England maintained a lead with 963,560 residents compared to 916,330 from India.

Officials said the change reflects evolving migration trends and stronger links with Asian countries. The Indian-origin population has recorded the fastest growth among migrant groups over the past decade, while the number of England-born residents has gradually declined.

China ranked third with 731,540 overseas-born residents, followed by New Zealand at 637,680. Other significant migrant communities include those from the Philippines, Vietnam, South Africa, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Australia’s total population has reached 27.6 million, with 8.8 million people, or around 32%, born overseas, close to the country’s historical peak of 32.4% recorded in 1891.

Data also highlighted demographic differences, with the median age of Australian-born residents at 35, compared to 43 for those born overseas. The bureau noted that the median age of migrants had peaked at 46 in 2002 and rose again during the COVID-19 pandemic due to a decline in younger arrivals such as international students.

Among older migrant groups, populations born in Italy and England have seen the sharpest declines since 2015 and now have median ages above 60. In contrast, migrants from countries such as Qatar represent younger cohorts.