Samoan Australians: Population Trends and Demographics
The Samoan community represents a vibrant part of the multicultural fabric of Australia. As the second largest Polynesian group in the country—following Māori Australians—the population has shown steady growth over the last two decades, reflecting ongoing migration and a strong sense of cultural identity.
Key Facts
- Total Ancestry: 75,755 people claimed Samoan ancestry in the 2016 census.
- Birthplace: 24,017 residents were born in the Samoan Islands as of 2016.
- Primary Hub: New South Wales hosts the largest concentration of Samoan Australians at 41.3%.
- Language: In New South Wales, nearly half of those with Samoan ancestry speak the Samoan language at home.
Population Growth and Census Trends
Data from the Australian census reveals a consistent upward trend in the number of people identifying with Samoan roots. In 2006, there were 15,244 Australians born in Samoa and 193 born in American Samoa. During that same period, 39,992 individuals claimed Samoan ancestry, either exclusively or in combination with other ancestries.
By 2011, these figures had risen significantly. The number of residents born in Samoa increased to 19,092, while those claiming Samoan ancestry grew to 55,843. This growth continued into the 2016 census, which recorded a total of 75,755 Australians with Samoan ancestry, including 24,017 who were born in the Samoan Islands.
Geographic Distribution
Samoan Australians are distributed across the continent, though they are heavily concentrated in the eastern states. New South Wales is the primary center for the community, followed by Queensland and Victoria.
| State | Percentage of Population |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | 41.3% |
| Queensland | 33.9% |
| Victoria | 21.1% |
| Western Australia | 1.9% |
Language and Cultural Identity
Language remains a critical pillar of identity for the community. In New South Wales, the 2016 census highlighted a balanced linguistic environment among those claiming Samoan ancestry: 49.3% reported speaking Samoan at home, while 47.0% spoke English.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people in Australia have Samoan ancestry?
According to the 2016 Australian census, there are 75,755 people who claim Samoan ancestry.
Which Australian state has the highest population of Samoan Australians?
New South Wales has the highest population, accounting for 41.3% of Samoan Australians.
Where do Samoan Australians rank among Polynesian groups in Australia?
Samoan Australians are the second largest Polynesian group, trailing only Māori Australians.
What percentage of Samoan Australians in New South Wales speak the Samoan language?
In 2016, 49.3% of people claiming Samoan ancestry in New South Wales spoke Samoan at home.
How many Samoan Australians were born in the Samoan Islands?
As of the 2016 census, 24,017 Australian residents were born in the Samoan Islands.