Mission Australia released its Youth Survey 2025 report on 27 November, revealing that cost of living pressures have surged to the top of young Australians’ concerns, with nearly two-thirds of respondents naming it as the most pressing national issue. The findings reflect responses from more than 17,000 young people aged 14 to 19.
The annual survey by the national Christian charity shows a sharp and sustained shift in what matters most to young Australians, who are increasingly anxious about economic strain and its impacts on their daily lives. Alongside the cost of living (64%), respondents identified mental health (29%), climate change and the environment (27%), and housing and homelessness (25%) as major issues requiring national attention.
Cost of living has emerged as the dominant concern for the second year in a row, rising from 31% in 2023 to 53% in 2024 and reaching its highest level this year since the question was introduced in 2010. Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister said the rapid escalation shows how deeply rising prices are shaping young people’s wellbeing and worldview.
“It’s a record we never wanted to see broken,” said Callister. “Young people are telling us that the strain of rising prices and not having money for basic essentials is taking a toll on their mental health and their outlook on life.”
Housing and homelessness is another concern. In summer last year, Christian Daily International reported data from Mission Australia highlighting one-in-ten teenagers surveyed had experienced homelessness in the country. This data came from a 2023 youth survey by Mission Australia for its ‘The Unfair Divide’ youth homelessness report published on Aug. 1, 2024.
Of the youths aged 15 to 19 suffering homelessness at the time, the experiences ranged from living with or without families, spending time without a fixed address, living in a refuge or temporary accommodation or simply isolating themselves because they felt unable to return to a home setting.
Findings from the prior report also showed recently homeless youths suffered greater challenges than their peers from stable homes. They were more likely to endure mental health illnesses (41% versus 13%), loneliness (47% versus 18%), problems fitting in with society (46% versus 26%), financial woes, and strained family relationships (34% versus 5%).
In the 2025 survey, the issue remained an “issue of national concern” for youngsters with the proportion of young people expressing concern doubling since 2022.
“One in four young people are worried about housing and homelessness, they are witnessing and experiencing it at higher levels than ever before,” Callister said.
“Young people are watching their friends and family struggle to pay bills or afford stable housing, and it’s impacting them. This points to an urgent need for more investment in social and affordable housing, youth-specific housing – like Youth Foyers; and practical supports that can make a real difference,” he said.
A third dominating concern for young people is mental health. It is deemed both a major national issue and a personal concern for them.
Two in five (39%) young people reported stress related to their mental health and wellbeing. Nearly one in five (19%) reported experiencing high levels of psychological distress in the weeks before the survey.
“Stress and anxiety are affecting young people’s education, work and daily lives,” Callister said. “It’s causing them to miss school, impacting their confidence and motivation. Young people want access to support and resources so they can get help before the issues escalate.”
However, Mission Australia also reported “some good news” from its latest survey, compared to figures in the two prior years regarding some wellbeing indicators for mental health, which show improvements. These include reductions in loneliness and psychological distress.
More young people are saying they feel a sense of control over their lives and positivity about the future, according to the charity.
“We want our young people to know that we are listening and are grateful to them [for] sharing a part of their lives with us,” Callister said. “Youth Survey highlights the complex realities facing young people across Australia.
“From economic pressures to mental health challenges and experiences of discrimination, young people are navigating a range of personal and societal issues. Their responses reveal not only the difficulties they encounter, but also their aspirations, values and desire to shape a positive future.”
Mission Australia is now urging governments, schools, communities and families to reflect on the findings and to work “in genuine partnership” with young people.
“By listening deeply and acting with purpose, we can build a future where every young person feels supported, included and empowered to reach their potential,” added Callister.
