Australia's mothers and babies

Where mothers live can impact their access to services. Figure 1 presents statistics for the usual place of residence of women who gave birth in 2023, by various geographies.

The national birth rate of women of reproductive age (15 to 44 years) in 2023 was 52 per 1,000 women. This is the lowest birth rate in the period from 1998 to 2023, and continues a generally decreasing trend since 2007, when the birth rate was 66 per 1,000 women. 

The birth rate varies by state and territory, but overall birth rates have decreased since 1998 for all jurisdictions, as they have nationally. Figure 2 presents the birth rate of women of reproductive age, by state and territory of birth.

Where a mother lives can differ from where she gives birth. Figure 3 presents trend data by the state or territory where a mother gave birth (for hospital sector, Indigenous status, maternal age, parity, and patient election status) and where she lived (for remoteness area and socioeconomic status), between 2010 (or earliest available year of data) and 2023. Select the ‘Current data’ button to view 2023 data.