Factsheet
Disability in Australia
Disability is a broad and diverse experience that touches many aspects of life in Australia. People with disability have experiences that differ across age groups, cultural backgrounds, and locations. Rates of disability increase with age, which means the ageing of Australia’s population will have important impacts on both the number and the proportion of Australians living with disability. Understanding disability helps governments, services, and communities design more inclusive environments that support full participation and independence.
Key Figures
21.4%
of Australians had disability in 2022, up from 17.7% in 2018
50%+
of older Australians aged 65 and over have disability
3 million
Australians are informal carers
Similar
disability prevalence for males and females overall
Higher risk
of physical and/or threatened assault for Australians with disability compared to those without
5.5 million
Australians were living with disability in 2022
Disability Prevalence by Age and Sex
Disability prevalence by age and sex, 2022 (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
References
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/2022
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2025, November 20). Disability and Crime. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/disability-and-crime
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). People with disability in Australia. AIHW. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia

