Cultural diversity

Overseas arrivals

About this topic

Overseas arrivals groups the overseas-born population by the year they first arrived in Australia to live here for one year or more. It shows how recent or established migrant communities are within an area.

This topic only applies to people born overseas, not the total population. It is useful for understanding settlement trends and likely demand for newcomer services, and it is best read with birthplace, language used at home, and religion.

Interpretation notes

  • This topic applies only to overseas-born people who first arrived to live in Australia for one year or more, not to the total population.
  • Year of arrival is most useful with birthplace and language, because arrival timing alone does not show current support needs.

Key insight

In 2021, 2001 to 2010 was the most common arrival period among overseas-born residents in Brisbane (C), accounting for 26.2% (103,635 people). This share was similar to Greater Brisbane (26.4%).

Section overview

Overseas arrivals

Brisbane (C) - Overseas born (Usual residence)

This table summarises overseas arrivals for Brisbane (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Brisbane.

Chart view

Overseas arrivals snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Brisbane (C), with comparison markers for Greater Brisbane.

Brisbane (C)
Greater Brisbane

Arrived in 1960 or earlier

2021 count

10,342

% of total

2.6%

1961 to 1970

2021 count

15,794

% of total

4.0%

1971 to 1980

2021 count

22,925

% of total

5.8%

1981 to 1990

2021 count

41,417

% of total

10.5%

1991 to 2000

2021 count

47,634

% of total

12.1%

2001 to 2010

2021 count

103,635

% of total

26.2%

2011 to 2015

2021 count

62,080

% of total

15.7%

2016 to Aug 2021

2021 count

83,128

% of total

21.0%

Not stated

2021 count

8,334

% of total

2.1%

Data table

Overseas arrivals for Brisbane (C). Overseas arrivals. 2021 counts and percentages compared with Greater Brisbane.

Overseas arrivals for Brisbane (C). Overseas arrivals. 2021 counts and percentages compared with Greater Brisbane.
Overseas arrivals for Brisbane (C). Overseas arrivals. 2021 counts and percentages compared with Greater Brisbane.
Category2021 count2021 %Greater Brisbane %
Arrived in 1960 or earlier10,3422.6%3.3%
1961 to 197015,7944.0%5.5%
1971 to 198022,9255.8%6.9%
1981 to 199041,41710.5%11.2%
1991 to 200047,63412.1%12.0%
2001 to 2010103,63526.2%26.4%
2011 to 201562,08015.7%15.2%
2016 to Aug 202183,12821.0%17.2%
Not stated8,3342.1%2.4%
Total395,285100.0%100.0%