How many people are living with chronic kidney disease in Australia?
Page highlights
- 2.7 million Australians aged 18 and over had biomedical signs of CKD in 2022–24 – 14.2% of the adult population.
- The rate increases with age: 45% of people aged 75 and over had biomedical signs of CKD compared to less than 10% of those aged below 55 years.
- Only 7.4% of adults with biomedical signs of CKD self-reported having the condition. Due to the asymptomatic nature of CKD people often do not realise they have the disease. Yet, early diagnosis provides the best opportunity for interventions that halt or slow the progression of the disease.
The prevalence of CKD slightly increased between 2011–12 and 2022–24.
In 2021 there were around 6,500 new cases of kidney failure in Australia – around 18 per day – of these, half (50%) were receiving kidney replacement therapy.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing health problem in Australia. Due to our ageing population, its prevalence – the total number of cases – is likely to continue increasing.
Due to the asymptomatic nature of CKD, and because diagnosis requires the presence of measured biomedical markers that persist for at least 3 months, people often do not realise they have the disease. As a result, numbers based on self-report are often underestimates of the true number of people living with CKD in Australia. Accurate estimates of the prevalence of CKD require large-scale surveys of biomedical markers of kidney function in the population.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2022–24 National Health Measures Survey (NHMS) is the most recent national survey to date to include biomedical testing for markers of CKD (ABS 2025b). The following section reports on the number of Australians who showed biomedical signs of CKD in the 2022–24 NHMS; these data should not be compared with numbers reflecting self-reported CKD.
An estimated 2.7 million Australians aged 18 and over had biomedical signs of CKD in 2022–24, representing 14.2% of the adult population (AIHW analysis of ABS 2025a).
Only 7.4% of adults with biomedical markers of CKD self-reported having the condition in 2022–24, indicating that the majority of CKD in Australia is undiagnosed (ABS 2025b). Early diagnosis provides the best opportunity for interventions that halt or slow the progression of the disease (Kidney Health Australia, 2026).
Variation by age and sex
In 2022–24, based on measurement data, the prevalence of biomedical signs of CKD among adults aged 18 and over:
- was around 14% for both men and women (AIHW analysis of ABS 2025a)
- increased rapidly in older age groups, with rates among those aged 75 and over being almost twice as high (45%) as rates for people aged 65–74 (24%) (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Prevalence of chronic kidney disease among people aged 18 and over, by age and sex, 2022–24
This figure shows that the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in 2022-24 was highest for men aged 75 and over (47%).
| Age group | Men | Women | Persons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–44 |
6.7
(CI [4.5–9]) |
7.7
(CI [5.3–10]) |
7.2
(CI [5.6–8.8]) |
| 45–54 |
9.9
(CI [5.1–14.7]) |
8.7
(CI [3.9–13.4]) |
9.3
(CI [6.1–12.5]) |
| 55–64 |
15.4
(CI [10.1–20.8]) |
14.1
(CI [10.3–18]) |
14.8
(CI [12–17.5]) |
| 65–74 |
26.5
(CI [22.7–30.4]) |
22.3
(CI [17.6–26.9]) |
24.3
(CI [20.8–27.8]) |
| 75+ |
47.3
(CI [40.8–53.7]) |
42.2
(CI [34.6–49.8]) |
44.6
(CI [39.1–50]) |
- CKD prevalence is based on measured eGFR and ACR results of people who participated in the National Health Measures survey.
- CI = A statistical term describing a range (interval) of values within which we can be 'confident' that the true value lies, usually because it has a 95% or higher chance of doing so.
- The ABS 2022–24 National Health Survey uses the Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables, 2020 to collect the Sex at birth variable used in this data table. Due to small numbers and the need to protect privacy, people who reported sex at birth as a term other than male or female are not reported separately or included in the total Persons category. Sex recorded at birth refers to what was determined by sex characteristics observed at birth or infancy.
Source:
AIHW analysis of ABS 2025a.
Figure 2: Stages of chronic kidney disease and risk of progression, by GFR and albuminuria
This figure shows the degrees of risk of chronic kidney disease progression by GFR levels and albuminuria levels, ranging from low to very high.
Stages 1 and 2
eGFR ≥ 60, with albuminuria, haematuria, or a pathological or structural abnormality
There are usually no symptoms, as the kidneys are still able to function adequately when they are slightly damaged. This makes diagnosis difficult. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is normal (≥90 mL/min/m2; stage 1) or slightly reduced (between 60 and 89 mL/min/m2; stage 2). The risk of disease progression depends on albuminuria levels (Figure 2).
Stages 3 and 4
eGFR between 15 and 59, with or without albuminuria
The level of waste (urea and creatinine) in the blood rises and a person may start to feel unwell. Kidney function is reduced and blood pressure rises. This is usually when diagnosis occurs. Stage 3 is marked by a moderate reduction in eGFR (between 30 and 59 mL/min/m2) and is divided into stage 3a and 3b. Stage 4 is marked by a severe reduction in eGFR (between 15 and 29 mL/min/m2). In these stages, the risk of progression can depend on both GFR and albuminuria.
Stage 5 – kidney failure (also known as end-stage kidney disease)
eGFR < 15 or on dialysis
This is marked by substantial loss of kidney function. The kidneys are no longer able to adequately filter waste from the blood and the person requires kidney replacement therapy – either dialysis or a kidney transplant – to stay alive. The risk of progression is very high.
In 2022–24, of the 14.2% of adults with biomedical signs of CKD, the majority (89%) were in stages 1 to 3a of the disease:
- 8.9% of Australian adults (1.7 million people) had biomedical signs indicating stage 1 or 2 CKD
- 3.8% (719,200 people) had biomedical signs indicating stage 3a CKD
- 1.5% (288,260 people) had biomedical signs indicating stage 3b and stages 4 to 5 CKD (Figure 3)(AIHW analysis of ABS 2025a).
Figure 3: Prevalence of biomedical markers of chronic kidney disease among people aged 18 and over, by stage and sex, 2022–24
In 2022-24, the prevalence of biomedical markers of CKD stages 1 and 2 are higher for men than women, for stages 3 to 5 the prevalence is higher for women than men
| Stage | Men | Women | Persons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 |
5.4
(CI [3.9–6.8]) |
4.8
(CI [3.5–6.1]) |
5.1
(CI [4.1–6]) |
| Stage 2 |
4.3
(CI [3.4–5.2]) |
3.5
(CI [2.5–4.4]) |
3.9
(CI [3.1–4.6]) |
| Stage 3a |
3.5
(CI [2.9–4.1]) |
4.1
(CI [3.1–5.1]) |
3.8
(CI [3.2–4.4]) |
| Stages 3b,4,5 |
1.3
(CI [0.8–1.8]) |
1.7
(CI [1.1–2.4]) |
1.5
(CI [1.1–1.9]) |
- CKD prevalence is based on measured eGFR and ACR results of people who participated in the National Health Measures survey.
- CKD stages are defined according to the eGFR and ACR results. Stage 1 – eGFR equal or greater than 90 mL/min/1.73m2 with albuminuria; Stage 2 – eGFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73m2; Stage 3a – eGFR 45-59 mL/min/1.73m2; Stage 3b – eGFR 30-44 mL/min/1.73m2 and Stage 4-5 – eGFR <30 mL/min/1,73m2.
- CI = A statistical term describing a range (interval) of values within which we can be 'confident' that the true value lies, usually because it has a 95% or higher chance of doing so.
- The ABS 2022–24 National Health Survey uses the Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables, 2020 to collect the Sex at birth variable used in this data table. Due to small numbers and the need to protect privacy, people who reported sex at birth as a term other than male or female are not reported separately or included in the total Persons category. Sex recorded at birth refers to what was determined by sex characteristics observed at birth or infancy.
Source:
AIHW analysis of ABS 2025a.
CKD prevalence and advancement is closely related to age. In 2022–24:
- 9.1% of people aged 18–64 showed biomedical signs of CKD, compared with 33% of those aged 65 and over
- 68% of adults with CKD stages 1 and 2 were aged 18–64
- 80% of adults with CKD stages 3 to 5 were aged 65 and over.
Trends over time
Three national surveys have been conducted in Australia that provide data on biomarkers of CKD – the 1999–2000 Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) and the National Health Measures Surveys (NHMS) of 2011–12 and 2022-24 (ABS 2013; ABS 2025a). Because the AusDiab study included participants aged 25 and over only, comparisons over time between it and the NHMS do not include adults aged 18–24.
For more information on methods for these trends, see Chronic kidney disease prevalence among Australian adults over time.
After adjusting for the age and sex changes in the population, the prevalence of CKD based on biomarkers has slightly increased over time. With similar trends seen for men and women (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Prevalence of biomedical markers of chronic kidney disease among people aged 25 and over, 1999–2000, 2011–12 and 2022–24
The estimated age- and sex-standardised prevalence of chronic kidney disease in 2022–24 was higher than estimates from 1999–2000 and 2011–12
| Sex | 1999–2000 | 2011–12 | 2022–24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men |
9.6%
(CI [8.1–11.2]) |
11%
(CI [9.8–12.2]) |
13.8%
(CI [11.9–15.7]) |
| Women |
10%
(CI [7.6–12.3]) |
11.1%
(CI [9.9–12.4]) |
14%
(CI [12.2–15.9]) |
| Persons |
9.8%
(CI [8.4–11.2]) |
11.1%
(CI [10.2–11.9]) |
14%
(CI [12.6–15.3]) |
| Sex | 1999–2000 | 2011–12 | 2022–24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–34 |
2.9%
(CI [1.7–4.2]) |
5.3%
(CI [3.7–6.9]) |
5.9%
(CI [3.4–8.4]) |
| 35–44 |
3.5%
(CI [2.4–4.5]) |
5.6%
(CI [4.0–7.2]) |
9.9%
(CI [6.8–13.1]) |
| 45–54 |
5.4%
(CI [3.8–6.9]) |
6%
(CI [4.5–7.5]) |
9.3%
(CI [6.1–12.5]) |
| 55–64 |
9.5%
(CI [7.7–11.3]) |
8.4%
(CI [6.5–10.2]) |
14.8%
(CI [12–17.5]) |
| 65–74 |
21.2%
(CI [18.2–24.1]) |
21.7%
(CI [18.7–24.6]) |
24.3%
(CI [20.8–27.8]) |
| 75+ |
42.1%
(CI [23.7–60.5]) |
44.5%
(CI [39.6–49.4]) |
44.6%
(CI [39.1–50]) |
- CKD prevalence in 2011–12 and 2022–24 is based on measured eGFR and ACR results of people who participated in the National Health Measures survey. Prevalence in 1999–2000 is based on calculated eGFR using standardised creatinine measures and the CKD-epi formula. To allow for comparison, a number of adjustments were made to the scope (age), the biomedical measures and the sampling methodology. See, Chronic kidney disease prevalence among Australian adults over time
- Participants with missing or unreliable measurements were excluded from the denominator population.
- Overall rates have been adjusted by age and sex using the 2001 Australian standard population.
- CI = A statistical term describing a range (interval) of values within which we can be 'confident' that the true value lies, usually because it has a 95% or higher chance of doing so.
- The ABS 2022–24 National Health Survey uses the Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables, 2020 to collect the Sex at birth variable used in this data table. Due to small numbers and the need to protect privacy, people who reported sex at birth as a term other than male or female are not reported separately or included in the total Persons category. Sex recorded at birth refers to what was determined by sex characteristics observed at birth or infancy.
Source:
AIHW analysis of 1999–2000 AusDiab, AIHW analysis of ABS 2013 and AIHW analysis of ABS 2025a
Variation between population groups
After adjusting for differences in the age structures of the population, the prevalence of CKD among adults in 2022–24 was 1.3 times as high in Outer regional and remote areas as in Major cities. The difference by remoteness area was greatest for men (1.6 times as high). While the rates were more similar across remoteness area for women.
For information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people, see First Nations People.
Data disaggregated by priority population groups are available in the supplementary data tables.
Incidence of kidney failure
Kidney failure is the most severe form of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It occurs when the kidneys can no longer function adequately on their own.
People with kidney failure require kidney replacement therapy (KRT) to survive. KRT involves either dialysis or a kidney transplant. Not everyone with kidney failure chooses to receive KRT, opting instead for end-of-life care. (See Comprehensive conservative care and kidney supportive care).
Linked data from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) Registry and the National Death Index are used to estimate the number of new cases of kidney failure in Australia, capturing both people on KRT and those not receiving KRT.
The estimates of kidney failure incidence presented on this page are measured using the Kidney and Diabetes Data Integration (KADDI), a linked data asset that includes the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) Registry and the National Death Index data for the period 2000 to 2021.
Treated kidney incidence cases include people who started KRT, identified through the ANZDATA, in the incident year.
Untreated kidney failure incidence cases include people who had a death record, with kidney failure listed as a cause (see Classifications), and no record of KRT on the ANZDATA registry.
In 2021 there were around 6,500 new cases of kidney failure in Australia – around 18 per day – of these, half (50%) were receiving KRT. For more information see, Treatment for Kidney failure.
Variation by age and sex
The incidence of kidney failure increases steeply with age. In 2021, the whole of population incidence rate was 25 per 100,000. The rate for people aged 90 and older was 566 per 100,000, more than 20 times as high (Figure 5).
The incidence of kidney failure in 2021 was higher in males than females. The rate for males was 29 per 100,000 people and for females was 22 per 100,000 people. After adjusting for differences in the age structures of the populations, the incidence rate was 1.6 times higher in males than in females.
Figure 5: Incidence of kidney failure, by age and sex, 2021
The incidence of kidney failure in people 90 and older is almost 3 times as high among people 80-89 years old
| Age group | Men | Women | Persons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-19 | 1 | 0.9 | 0.9 |
| 20-29 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 3 |
| 30-39 | 6.1 | 5.2 | 5.6 |
| 40-49 | 15 | 10.1 | 12.5 |
| 50-59 | 25.6 | 16.4 | 20.9 |
| 60-69 | 45.1 | 28.4 | 36.5 |
| 70-79 | 92.8 | 46.8 | 69 |
| 80-89 | 219.3 | 129.4 | 169.3 |
| 90+ | 670.7 | 510.6 | 566.1 |
Source:
Kidney and Diabetes Data Integration (KADDI) project - linked data from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry and AIHW National Mortality Database and National Death Index
Trends over time
In 2021, Australia had twice as many new cases of kidney failure than it did in 2000. This is mostly due to population increase and ageing. After adjusting for differences in the age structures of the populations, the incidence rate in 2021 was 1.1 times as high as in 2000.
Data available in the supplementary data tables.
Further information
For more information on the prevalence of CKD, see:
ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics) (2025a), National Health Measures Survey, 2022–24 AIHW analysis of detailed microdata, accessed 1 December 2025.
ABS (2025b) National Health Measures Survey 2022-24, ABS, Australian Government, accessed 4 March 2026.
ABS (2013) Australian Health Survey: biomedical results for chronic diseases, ABS, Australian Government, accessed 22 February 2022.
ABS (2013) Microdata: Australian Health Survey, Core Content – Risk Factors and Selected Health Conditions, 2011–12, AIHW analysis of detailed microdata, accessed 20 October 2021.
AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2018) Chronic kidney disease prevalence among Australian adults over time, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 13 May 2022.
Kidney Health Australia (2026). Kidney Code Red: The Response. A mandate for urgent action to end the kidney crisis. Melbourne, Australia, 2026
Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD Work Group, KDIGO 2012 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease, Kidney inter., Suppl. 2013; 3: 1–150.
KHA (Kidney Health Australia) (2020) Stages of kidney disease, Kidney Health Australia website, accessed 11 April 2022.