In June 2023, Victoria had the second lowest imprisonment rate in Australia at 120.9 prisoners per 100,000 adults. The Australian Capital Territory had the lowest rate at 102.5 prisoners per 100,000 adults.
Victoria’s imprisonment rate decreased by 4.7% in the 12 months to June 2023, from 126.9 prisoners per 100,000 adults in June 2022. The national rate of imprisonment increased by 0.7%, from 200.9 prisoners per 100,000 adults in June 2022 to 202.3 in June 2023.
The Northern Territory has the highest imprisonment rate in Australia, at 1,106.9 prisoners per 100,000 adults. This rate is substantially higher than the rates in all other states and territories. The next highest rate is 303.6 prisoners per 100,000 adults in Western Australia.
Imprisonment rate per 100,000 adults for each Australian state and territory
Hover over a bar in the graph to display the imprisonment rate and the number imprisoned for each state and territory. The vertical line shows the national rate.
Jurisdiction | Imprisonment rate per 100,000 adults |
---|---|
Northern Territory | 1,106.9 |
Western Australia | 303.6 |
Queensland | 243.1 |
South Australia | 204.1 |
New South Wales | 189.5 |
Tasmania | 163.9 |
Victoria | 120.9 |
Australian Capital Territory | 102.5 |
Australia | 202.3 |
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Prisoners in Australia (2023).