Disability in Australia (2026)
Statistics and context about disability in Australia to inform local government planning
Note about this data: ALGA acknowledges there are gaps in data about the experiences of and outcomes for people with disability in Australia. The following statistics are based on the best information currently available.
Key statistics
1 in 5
Australians have a disability
5.5M+
People living with disability in Australia
20%
Of your community has a disability
Why this matters for local government
Understanding disability prevalence in Australia helps councils recognise the significant proportion of their community who may benefit from inclusive planning and services.
When you factor in family members, friends, carers and supporters of people with disability, the impact of accessible and inclusive services extends far beyond the 20% figure.
Types of disability
Disability takes many forms. The definition of disability from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities includes:
Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
This includes but is not limited to:
- Physical disabilities affecting mobility or dexterity
- Sensory disabilities including vision and hearing impairments
- Cognitive and intellectual disabilities
- Psychosocial disabilities including mental health conditions
- Neurological conditions
- Chronic health conditions
Intersectionality
Many people with disability also identify with other groups that may experience disadvantage or discrimination. This includes:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who have a higher prevalence of disability compared with non-Indigenous Australians
- People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Older Australians
- LGBTIQA+ communities
- People living in rural and remote areas
Councils should consider these overlapping identities when planning services and engagement activities.
Data sources
Key sources of disability data in Australia include:
- Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) data
- State and territory government disability data collections
Councils are encouraged to seek out local data where available to better understand the specific needs of their community.