Lexi Webster
Australia has seen a significant number of people moving internally, with around 1.5 million Australians relocating within the country each year. The country has also experienced net gains from international migration, with a net increase of 446,000 people in 2023-2024, although this was a decrease from the previous year. In terms of internal migration, Queensland has seen notable gains, with Brisbane being a popular destination. Melbourne has also been a trending destination, with 28% of all metro inbound moving enquiries in September headed for the city. On the other hand, Sydney has seen a net loss of residents, with more people moving away from the city. Overall, various factors influence the movement of people within Australia, including work opportunities, education, relationships, and cost of living pressures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Migration trends | Historically, more people migrate to Australia than migrate away each year, but this trend reversed during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. In 2023-24, overseas migration contributed a net gain of 445,640 people to the Australian population. |
| Top source countries | India, China, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom |
| Visa trends | There has been an increase in migrant departures, with the number rising to 221,000 in 2023-24, an 8% increase from the previous year. |
| Internal migration | Australians are highly mobile, with 43% of people aged 15 and over having moved in the last five years. Melbourne and Brisbane are popular destinations for internal migration, with Melbourne accounting for 28% of inbound moving enquiries in September 2023. Sydney is also experiencing an increase in inbound migration, with 19% of metro inbound moving enquiries in August 2023. |
| Regional migration | There is a shift towards regional areas, with an increase in net "capital to regional" migration, up 16% on pre-Covid levels. Queensland locations like Bundaberg, Townsville, and Toowoomba are popular destinations. |
| Population density | As of June 2024, Australia's population density was 3.5 people per square kilometre. |
| Capital city growth | In 2023-24, the capital cities grew by 427,800 people (2.4%), with Melbourne experiencing the largest increase (142,600) and Perth having the highest growth rate (3.1%). |
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What You'll Learn
- Melbourne and Brisbane are trending summer hotspots for internal migration
- Queensland gained the most people from New South Wales
- South Australia gained the most people from Victoria
- Sydney experiences a net loss of people from internal migration
- Australia's population gained 446,000 people from overseas migration in 2023-24
Melbourne and Brisbane are trending summer hotspots for internal migration
Australia is experiencing a surge in internal migration, with interstate moves on an upward trend. Melbourne and Brisbane are the trending summer hotspots for those moving within the country, with Perth, Sydney, and Adelaide witnessing a decline in popularity.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that Brisbane gained the most people through net internal migration, with a net gain of 3,300 people in the March 2021 quarter. This marked a significant increase in interstate arrivals, with Brisbane attracting people from other parts of Queensland and interstate migration. The city's net gain in the March 2021 quarter was the largest since the series began in 1981.
Melbourne, on the other hand, has seen a rebound in popularity. In September, 28% of all metro inbound moving inquiries were headed to Melbourne, reclaiming its position as the top destination for internal migration in Australia. This upward trend continued, with net migration climbing to -5% in September, the closest it had been to positive net migration since before the pandemic.
The typical 'moving season' in Australia spans from October to March, coinciding with the spring selling season and lease turnovers. During this period, over 1.5 million Australians relocate, with rising interest rates, soaring power bills, and cost-of-living pressures influencing their decisions.
While the capital cities of Australia experienced a net loss of 11,800 people due to internal migration in the March 2021 quarter, Brisbane and Melbourne's gains demonstrate their appeal as desirable destinations for internal migration within the country.
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Queensland gained the most people from New South Wales
Queensland saw the largest influx of people from another Australian state in the March 2021 quarter, with a net gain of 3,800 people from New South Wales. This was the largest net gain for the state since records began in 1981. The state's capital, Brisbane, also saw a net gain of 3,300 people in the same quarter, with 2,600 of those coming from interstate. The top three local government areas (LGAs) for internal migration were all in Queensland, with Byron Bay being the most popular.
These figures reflect a broader trend of people moving away from capital cities and towards other regions. In fact, capital cities saw a net loss of 11,800 people due to internal migration in the same quarter, the largest quarterly net loss on record. This trend may be influenced by factors such as increased interest rates, soaring power bills, and cost-of-living pressures.
While Queensland experienced a net gain in its population, other states did not fare as well. New South Wales, for example, saw a net outflow of people, with many moving to neighbouring Queensland. This trend of people moving away from Sydney, in particular, has been observed over several years, with the city experiencing outbound migration.
Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, experienced a similar trend, with 13 consecutive months of negative net migration up to August 2021. However, the city did see a slight bounce back in that month, with net migration improving from -28% in July to -20% in August.
Overall, Queensland's gain of 3,800 people from New South Wales in the March 2021 quarter is indicative of broader migration patterns in Australia, with capital cities losing residents to other regions.
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South Australia gained the most people from Victoria
Australia has seen a notable trend in internal migration, with people increasingly moving interstate. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' provisional data for March 2021, South Australia experienced a net gain of 380 people from interstate migration, with the majority of these individuals coming from Victoria. This marked the first net interstate gain for South Australia since September 2002.
This shift towards South Australia can be attributed to various factors. One key aspect is the appeal of Adelaide, the state's capital and a significant population centre. Adelaide has attracted people from other states, particularly those seeking a change from other capital cities. This trend aligns with the overall movement patterns within Australia, as capital cities experienced a net loss of residents to other regions.
Adelaide's popularity may be driven by several factors, including its vibrant culture, employment opportunities, and climate. With a population of over 1.3 million people in its metropolitan area, Adelaide offers the conveniences of urban life while also providing a more relaxed and centralised environment compared to larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Additionally, South Australia boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from the Mediterranean climate in the southern part of the state to the arid and semi-arid regions that cover most of its territory. This variety in climate and geography could be another factor attracting individuals and families from Victoria, offering a range of lifestyle options within the state.
The movement towards South Australia also coincides with broader migration patterns in the country. Overall, Australia has experienced a significant net gain in population through international migration, with the country's population growing by 445,900 people annually as of December 2024. This growth is influenced by both natural increase (births minus deaths) and net overseas migration.
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Sydney experiences a net loss of people from internal migration
Sydney has experienced a net loss of people from internal migration, with more people moving away from the city than moving in. This trend is not unique to Sydney, as other capital cities in Australia have also seen a net loss of residents due to internal migration. In fact, the June 2021 quarter saw a record net loss of 11,800 people from capital cities, with Sydney being a significant contributor to this figure.
There are several factors influencing the internal migration trends in Australia, and Sydney, in particular, is facing some specific challenges. One of the main reasons for the net loss in Sydney is the high cost of living. As a result, people are increasingly moving interstate to rent or buy properties, crossing borders in search of more affordable options. This trend is particularly prominent during the traditional "moving season," which typically runs from October to March in Australia.
In contrast to Sydney, other cities and regions in Australia have experienced a net gain from internal migration. For example, Queensland has seen positive net migration, with Greater Brisbane attracting a significant number of newcomers. In the March 2021 quarter, Brisbane recorded a net gain of 2,600 people from interstate migration, contributing to Queensland's overall gain of 3,800 people from New South Wales.
Adelaide, South Australia, has also experienced fluctuations in internal migration trends. While Adelaide saw a net gain of 380 people from interstate migration in the March 2021 quarter, the city has faced challenges with 13 consecutive months of negative net migration leading up to August 2021. These figures highlight the dynamic nature of internal migration patterns across Australia.
Overall, Sydney's net loss of people from internal migration is part of a broader trend of movement within Australia. While some cities experience net gains, others, like Sydney, see a net outflow of residents. These migration patterns are influenced by various factors, including cost of living, job opportunities, and lifestyle preferences, shaping the demographic landscape across the country.
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Australia's population gained 446,000 people from overseas migration in 2023-24
Australia's population increased by 446,000 people from overseas migration in 2023-24. This was a decrease from the previous year's record of 536,000 people. The increase in population is due to more people migrating to Australia than leaving it each year. This trend temporarily reversed in 2020 and 2021 when border closures and other impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic prevented potential migrants from entering the country. Australian borders were reopened to most travellers on 21 February 2022, resulting in a period of record net overseas migration.
In 2023-24, the number of migrant departures increased to 221,000, an 8% increase from the previous year. This is the first annual increase in migrant departures since the borders reopened. The number of people on temporary visas decreased from 557,000 to 465,000, while the number of permanent visa holders, Australian citizens, and New Zealand citizens arriving in Australia increased. The top countries of birth for migrant arrivals in 2023-24 were India, China, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Net gains from India and China were lower than the previous year, while net gains from the United Kingdom and New Zealand were higher.
Internal migration within Australia also contributes to population changes. In 2021, Queensland gained the most people from New South Wales, with a net gain of 3,800 people. Greater Brisbane saw a net gain of 3,300 people in the March 2021 quarter. South Australia gained the most people from Victoria (+380) and lost the most to Queensland (-270). Greater Adelaide had a net gain of 60 people in the March 2021 quarter.
Capital cities have been growing faster than regional areas, with 68% of Australia's population living in the eight capital cities in 2023-24. This is because overseas migrants tend to settle in cities, and the younger age structure of cities results in a greater natural increase. However, there has been a recent increase in interstate moves, with Melbourne and Brisbane being popular destinations. Melbourne accounted for 27% of all metro inbound moving enquiries in July, while in September, 28% of all inbound enquiries were headed for Melbourne, making it the number one place to move in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2024, Australia saw a net gain of 446,000 people from international migration. Historically, more people migrate to Australia than leave each year. In terms of internal migration, Queensland has seen the biggest gains, with Brisbane being the number one place to move to in Australia. Melbourne is also a popular destination, accounting for 27% of all metro inbound moving enquiries in July.
In 2015-16, Australia was the fourth most popular moving destination, with immigrants accounting for 30% of its population. The main reasons for moving to Australia include work, education, family, and relationships.
If you're moving to Australia, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, get to know your neighbourhood and local amenities. Secondly, notify your employer and open a local bank account. Thirdly, check the requirements for obtaining a local driving licence and consider getting mobile data or a local SIM card. Finally, familiarise yourself with the healthcare system, which is a hybrid of public and private sectors.
