Australians are facing growing housing and financial stress, while half of workers feel overqualified for their jobs, according to the 2026 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Annual Statistical Report has been released today.
The report provides insights into how Australians’ lives have changed since 2001.
Covering income, employment, family life and wellbeing, it draws on data collected between 2001 and 2024 to highlight key social and economic trends shaping Australia.
The HILDA survey is Australia’s largest longitudinal study of its kind. It follows the same group of around 17,000 people each year, providing a unique picture of how Australians’ lives change over time.
The 2026 report examines a range of issues, including labour market mismatches, relationship quality, cognitive ability, housing affordability and financial stress.
Key findings include:
- Half of Australian workers are over-educated for their jobs.
- Life-partner relationships remain relatively strong.
- Food insecurity increased in 2024, affecting more than one in six Australians aged 15 and over.
- Half of 18–29-year-olds are now living at home with their parents.
- Employment remains high, but housing and financial stress are widespread.
- Fatigue is increasing across the country, while younger people report poorer health.
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