Fast facts

What does arthritis look like in Australia?

• 4.11 million Australians have arthritis. This will rise to 5.39 million by 2040, and could reach 5.56 million by 2040 in a high population growth scenario
• More than 7 million Australians live with arthritis and/or a musculoskeletal condition
• Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions account for 12.7% of the total burden of disease in Australia
• There are more than 100 different types of arthritis
• Arthritis is the 2nd most common cause of early retirement due to ill-health in Australia
• The most commonly reported long-term health conditions were a mental health condition, arthritis and asthma
• Over 20% of people living with arthritis need assistance with a daily activity
• Survey finding: 48% report cutting back on allied healthcare spending due to cost-of-living pressures
• Arthritis affects more women than men
• Over 3.24 million women and over 2.17 million men are forecast to be living with arthritis by 2040
• 3,109,722 Australians could be affected by osteoarthritis by 2040, with 80% higher prevalence in women
• 748,721 Australians could be affected by rheumatoid arthritis by 2040
• Up to 30,000 children and young adults aged 0-24 are affected by juvenile arthritis in Australia

The disease

• There are more than 100 different types of arthritis
• Arthritis impacts all ages, children get arthritis too
• Most forms of arthritis are thought to be auto-immune conditions, where the body’s immune system attacks its own joint tissues
• Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are the most common forms of arthritis

The cost

• By 2030 loss of personal income due to arthritis is projected at $2.6 billion, with the cost to the government of over $1.1 billion a year in extra welfare payments and lost taxation revenue.
• Lost GDP due to arthritis-related early retirement will reach $9.4 billion a year by 2030. Lost GDP due to back pain is estimated to be $10.5 billion.
• More than 2.83 million people with arthritis are of working age (15-64 years)
• 59,000 people aged 15-54 years are projected to be unable to work due to arthritis by 2030
• Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions cost the health system an estimated $15.9 billion in 2022-23
• Arthritis alone is projected to cost the health system costs $11.92 billion by 2040
• For every Australian living with arthritis and MSK, the government spent just $6 on research through the NHMRC in 2023. This compares to $108 per person living with dementia, and $72 per person with a cardiovascular condition.

Updated: June 2025