Australian Life Dissatisfaction Doubles, Wellbeing Poverty Soars

The proportion of Australians reporting very low life satisfaction has doubled over the past decade, with nearly 2.2 million individuals aged 15 and older now living below the wellbeing poverty line. According to an analysis by Guardian Australia of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’s (ABS) general social survey, 9.7% of Australians in 2025 rated their general satisfaction with life at four or below out of 10. This figure represents a significant increase from previous years, indicating a widespread decline in overall life satisfaction across the nation. The survey data highlights a growing segment of the population experiencing what is termed 'wellbeing poverty,' a state characterized by profound dissatisfaction with their lives. Despite this concerning trend, the analysis also noted that factors such as community cohesion and trust in others can positively influence happiness scores, suggesting potential avenues for intervention and support. The ABS data provides a comprehensive snapshot of the social landscape, underscoring the need for further investigation into the drivers of this escalating dissatisfaction and the development of strategies to improve national wellbeing. The findings are based on the most recent comprehensive social survey conducted by the ABS, offering a critical insight into the lived experiences of Australians.