The pandemic has had a major impact on Melbourne’s population, with many people leaving the city for greener pastures during the lockdowns.
However, despite this exodus, new figures from the Australian Government’s Centre for Population show that Melbourne will become Australia’s largest city within a decade.
Victoria’s population is expected to exceed 7.9 million people by mid 2032, with Melbourne’s population predicted to hit six million by 2031, before rising to 6.1 million the year after.
This means that by 2031, Melbourne will overtake Sydney as the largest city in Australia, although NSW will remain the most populated state.
Melbourne’s population growth was hit harder than any other major city during the pandemic, declining from 1.8 per cent in 2018-10 to -1.6 per cent in 2020-21.
This was due to the mass exodus of people leaving the city during the lockdowns, as well as the decrease in immigration.
These figures are based on projections of continuing population growth in Melbourne and the other major cities. The report found that the majority of the growth would come from interstate and international migration, with natural population growth accounting for a small proportion.
It also found that the number of people living in regional Victoria would remain steady, while the number of people living in rural and remote areas would decline.
Treasury Secretary Jim Chalmers asserted that a strong, thriving population would boost Australia’s economic well-being and prosperity.
“The pandemic of Covid-19 has brought to light the importance of the wellbeing of our workforce to the economic prosperity of Australia. Despite the long-term effects it had on our economy and community, it is evident that our population growth is regaining momentum,” he said.