Australia’s life dissatisfaction levels double as ‘wellbeing poverty’ reaches new highs
The News
Nearly 2.2 million Australians aged 15 and over are living below the wellbeing poverty line, according to Guardian Australia's analysis of ABS data. The proportion of Australians reporting very low life satisfaction (4 out of 10 or below) has doubled over the past decade, reaching 9.7% in 2025. The findings highlight a significant decline in subjective wellbeing across the country.
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The Analysis
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9.7% of Australians rate life satisfaction 4 or below out of 10.
The data is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics' general social survey.
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Key findings
The data is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics' general social survey.
The Guardian- 9.7% of Australians rate life satisfaction 4 or below out of 10.
- This proportion doubled over the past decade.
Plain English
Loaded language removedABS data show one in 10 people are not satisfied with life – but community cohesion and trust lift happiness scores
Emotionally neutral rewrite. Same facts, calmer framing.
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Claims
The data is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics' general social survey.
The GuardianCommunity cohesion and trust lift happiness scores.
OpinionNearly 2.2 million Australians aged 15 and over are living below the wellbeing poverty line.
The GuardianThe share of people reporting very low life satisfaction has doubled over the past decade.
The GuardianIn 2025, 9.7% of Australians rated their general satisfaction with life at four or below out of ten.
The Guardian