Average Height in Australia (2026 Data)
The average height in Australia is approximately 5'9" (176 cm) for men and 5'4" (162 cm) for women, based on ABS National Health Survey and NCD-RisC data. Australia ranks slightly above the global average.
Average Height in Australia: Men and Women
Adult height in Australia reflects decades of genetics, childhood nutrition, healthcare access, and living conditions. The most recent national health surveys provide the best estimates for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 176 cm (5'9"); for women, about 162 cm (5'4"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by region, ethnicity, and birth cohort within Australia. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Australia
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 178 cm (5'10") | 163 cm (5'4") |
| 26–35 | 177 cm (5'10") | 163 cm (5'4") |
| 36–50 | 176 cm (5'9") | 162 cm (5'4") |
| 50+ | 175 cm (5'9") | 161 cm (5'3") |
Age-group estimates derived from ABS National Health Survey and NCD-RisC data. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Australia Compares to the World and the US
Globally, the approximate mean adult height is about 171 cm (5'7") for men and 159 cm (5'2.5") for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates covering hundreds of population studies. Compared to this, Australia men are 5 cm taller and women are 3 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Australia men are 1 cm taller than US men on average; Australia women are 0 cm taller than US women.
Australia's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of strong childhood health programs, high meat and dairy consumption, and outdoor lifestyle.
Why Heights Differ: Genetics, Nutrition, and Trends
Height is roughly 80% genetic and 20% environmental, but those environmental factors—especially nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life—matter enormously at the population level. Australia's average stature is shaped by strong childhood health programs, high meat and dairy consumption, and outdoor lifestyle.
Australian heights increased through the 1900s and have plateaued alongside other wealthy nations.
Comparing your personal height to Australia's average is informative, but percentile rankings depend on which reference population you use. Our calculator compares against US CDC/NHANES data, which may differ from Australia's national distribution.
Data source: ABS National Health Survey and NCD-RisC data. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare Your Height to US Percentiles
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