How Much Are Prisoners Costing Each Australian?

The Productivity Commission reveals the number of prisoners increasing, the police force not growing fast enough, and a new high in court case volume.

Federal police outside Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre in Northam, Western Australia, on Aug. 26, 2012. AAP Image/Rebecca Le May

Australian taxpayers are spending about $119,273 (US$83,400) a year—or roughly $327 a day—for every prisoner held in custody, as new national data shows the prison population increase to its highest level in eight years.

A report (pdf) released on Feb. 3 by the Productivity Commission showed the average daily prison population rose 5.9 percent to 45,526 nationwide in 2024–25.