Australia’s life dissatisfaction levels double as ‘wellbeing poverty’ reaches new highs

Australia is experiencing a significant decline in life satisfaction, with rates of dissatisfaction doubling over the last decade. New analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data reveals that nearly 2.2 million people aged 15 and older are living below what is termed the 'wellbeing poverty line.'

According to the Guardian Australia's analysis of the ABS's general social survey, in 2025, a concerning 9.7% of the population, translating to about one in ten Australians, rated their general satisfaction with life at four or below out of a possible ten. This marks a substantial increase and indicates a growing segment of the population experiencing profound unhappiness.

While the overall trend is negative, the data also suggests that positive social factors can mitigate these feelings. Higher levels of community cohesion and trust appear to correlate with improved happiness scores, offering a potential avenue for intervention and support to lift the wellbeing of Australians.