Disability population and characteristics of disability
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How many people have disability
In 2022, an estimated 1 in 5 (21%) people in Australia had disability (about 5.5 million people).
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Severe or profound disability
In 2022, more than a third (37%) of people with disability had severe or profound disability (about 2.0 million).
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Assistance needs
In 2022, about 3 in 10 people with disability living in households needed assistance with property maintenance or health care (30% each).
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Aids use
More than half of people with disability use aids or equipment to assist with various activities of daily living (54%, or 3.0 million in 2022).
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Disability and life expectancy – boys
Boys born in 2022 can expect to live 81 years on average, including 20 years (24%) with disability.
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Disability and life expectancy – girls
Girls born in 2022 can expect to live 85 years on average, including 22 years (25%) with disability.
The disability population in Australia is large and diverse. It encompasses people with different types of disability and needs for support, across all socioeconomic and demographic groups.
Knowing how many people in Australia have disability, and their characteristics, helps us understand their varied experiences. It also helps to plan and provide the supports, services and communities that enable people with disability to participate fully in all aspects of life.