Contraceptive usage: modern methods vs. any methods in Australia
Australia: Contraceptive usage: modern methods vs. any methods was 64.7% in 2016. ▼ Falling
Contraceptive usage: modern methods vs. any methods in Australia, 1986–2016
Source: Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), and UN Population Division, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in % of women ages 15-49.
Analysis
Australia recorded 64.7% for contraceptive usage: modern methods vs. any methods in 2016.
The figure is up 2.5% over ten years.
Over the whole period, contraceptive usage: modern methods vs. any methods in Australia peaked at 72.2% in 1986 and was at its lowest, 59.2%, in 2009.
Australia ranks 23rd of 113 countries on this measure, in the top quarter.
Contraceptive usage: modern methods vs. any methods in Australia, year by year
| Year | % of women ages 15-49 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 72.2% | — |
| 2006 | 63.1% | -12.7% |
| 2009 | 59.2% | -6.1% |
| 2012 | 65.1% | +10.0% |
| 2016 | 64.7% | -0.7% |
Australia compared with similar countries
- Australia's 64.7% is above the median for high income countries, which is 60.4%, 1.1× the median. (24 countries reporting)
- Australia's 64.7% is above the median for East Asia & Pacific, which is 52.2%, 1.2× the median. (16 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 72.2% | 72.2% | 72.2% | 1 |
| 2000s | 61.1% | 59.2% | 63.1% | 2 |
| 2010s | 64.9% | 64.7% | 65.1% | 2 |
Countries ranked near Australia
More reference data data for Australia
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Manure applied to Soils 1.21 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Manure left on Pasture 28.02 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - IPCC Agriculture 38.41 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Crop Residues 2.55 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Agricultural Soils 38.41 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure applied to Soils 4.07 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure Management 6.14 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure left on Pasture 118.71 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - IPCC Agriculture 170.29 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Crop Residues 13.9 (2050)
Frequently asked questions
- What is contraceptive usage: modern methods vs. any methods in Australia?
- Contraceptive usage: modern methods vs. any methods in Australia was 64.7% in 2016, according to Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), and UN Population Division, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest contraceptive usage: modern methods vs. any methods recorded in Australia?
- The highest recorded value was 72.2% in 1986.
- What is the lowest contraceptive usage: modern methods vs. any methods recorded in Australia?
- The lowest recorded value was 59.2% in 2009.
- How does Australia rank for contraceptive usage: modern methods vs. any methods?
- Australia ranks 23rd out of 113 countries with data for 2016.
- Is contraceptive usage: modern methods vs. any methods rising or falling in Australia?
- Over the last ten years it is up 2.5%. The long-run trend across the full record is falling.
- Where does this Australia data come from?
- The figures come from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), and UN Population Division, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Contraceptive usage: modern methods vs. any methods. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Estimated share of women using contraceptive methods, among those aged 15–49 and married or in union. This is compared between modern methods and any method (modern or traditional).