When you’ve got young kids, you’re constantly on the move – but in recent years, Aussie families have been making even bigger moves. Across the country, more and more people are ditching the big smoke and making a beeline for coastal or country regions where they can stretch their legs and their budgets. Interested in where everyone’s going. A new Family Relocation Report by Muval has just revealed the most popular regions Australian families have been flocking to – and fleeing from – over the past six years.
Out of more than 41,000 family moves across the country, the Sunshine Coast came out on top with the highest inbound-to-outbound ratio at 3.28 – meaning that for every family leaving, 3.28 are moving in. Having spent time in this gorgeous coastal region, I can certainly see the appeal. With its laid-back lifestyle, low crime rate, strong sense of community and sunshine all year round, it’s a dream spot to raise a family. And honestly, how cool would it be to grow up with the beach as your backyard?
Queensland dominated the list of the most popular regions Australian families are moving to, with Wide Bay, Cairns, Central Queensland and the Gold Coast all making the top ten. Regional Western Australia was also super popular, with the coastal city of Bunbury in second place (ratio of 2.89), Mandurah in third (2.71) and the Wheatbelt region in fifth (2.54).
So, where’s everyone moving from? Over the past six years, Sydney’s City and Inner South saw the lowest inbound‑to‑outbound ratio in the country at just 0.18 – meaning that for every five families leaving, less than one is moving in. While Melbourne’s Inner Suburbs came in second with a ratio of 0.23, Sydney has clearly led the exodus, claiming eight of the top ten spots. Alas, it’s no surprise that Greater Sydney is the capital city losing families at the highest rate, with only 0.31 families moving in for every one leaving. You can deep dive into the full report here.
The top 10 regions Australian families are moving to
- Sunshine Coast, QLD
- Bunbury, WA
- Mandurah, WA
- Wide Bay, QLD
- Wheatbelt, WA
- Cairns, QLD
- South East, TAS
- Central Queensland, QLD
- Gold Coast, QLD
- West and North West, TAS
The top 10 regions Australian families are moving away from
- Sydney – City and Inner South
- Melbourne – Inner Suburbs
- Sydney – Eastern Suburbs
- Sydney – Parramatta
- Sydney – Inner West
- Australian Capital Territory
- Sydney – North Sydney and Hornsby
- Sydney – Inner South West
- Sydney – Ryde
- Sydney – Northern Beaches
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