Australia Interstate Migration Plummets: Top 10 Aussie Regions Revealed

Current Migration Trends in Australia: What You Need to Know

Australia is currently witnessing some interesting shifts in internal migration. With rising living costs impacting residents, many are choosing to stay put rather than seek opportunities elsewhere. If you’re considering a move to Australia, whether for work or to explore visa sponsorship options, understanding these trends can be quite helpful.

Internal Migration: On the Decline

Recent research from Muval, a removalist consulting firm, shows that internal migration is at its lowest since 2006. Despite Australia’s growing population, the demand for home removalists has dropped by 22% since before the Covid-19 pandemic. This could influence your plans if you’re thinking about applying for a visa to settle down in Australia or New Zealand.

Where Are People Moving?

According to the 2025 Muval Index, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Victoria have attracted the most new arrivals compared to those leaving. Regions like South Australia’s southeast and Bunbury are seeing more people moving in, while areas like Darwin and Brisbane’s inner city are experiencing residents moving out. This information can provide insights into popular areas for job opportunities, especially if you’re targeting specific regions for your job search or migration.

The Cost of Living Crisis

Muval’s CEO, James Morrell, has observed that traditional migration hotspots, such as Brisbane, are now seeing more people leave these areas due to financial pressures. This could impact available jobs as local residents might be seeking more affordable living options in the outskirts or regional areas. If you are an international job seeker, it might be worthwhile to consider regional locations where demand for skilled workers is still high.

Regional Trends in Western Australia

Interestingly, regional areas in Western Australia (WA) have the highest inbound-to-outbound migration ratio in the country, with 127 people moving in for every 100 leaving. In comparison, South Australia’s southeast has a ratio of 1.59, and Bunbury follows closely at 1.55. Understanding this can be crucial if you’re considering where to settle—regional areas often offer more opportunities, especially for skilled migration and job vacancies.

Brisbane and Cost-of-Living Changes

Many longtime residents of Brisbane are opting for a change, moving to more affordable areas inland, like the Sunshine Coast. If you’re exploring job opportunities in this vibrant area, be mindful of this shift; it might mean increased competition for jobs among both locals and newcomers.

Impacts of Housing Availability

The current housing crisis is a significant factor slowing down internal migration. As Muval pointed out, housing availability is at a critical low, which can greatly affect job seekers looking to relocate. This could also impact your visa options as certain areas may offer more favourable conditions for skilled workers.

The Unique Situation in Melbourne

Despite the trend of people moving out, Greater Melbourne stands out. With an inbound-to-outbound ratio of 1.1, it remains the only capital city where more people are moving in than out this year. Dr Elin Charles-Edwards from the University of Queensland believes this might indicate a reassessment by those who previously left.

State-Wise Insights

Tasmania and South Australia have reached a balanced ratio of 1, where the number of people moving in equals those moving out. This balance may reflect a mix of young individuals seeking education or job opportunities while retirees and remote workers relocate for better lifestyles. If you are considering applying for skilled migration, these states may offer promising living conditions and job prospects.

Final Thoughts

As an aspiring job seeker looking to settle in Australia or New Zealand, staying updated about these migration trends can be beneficial. Housing availability, the cost of living, and population movements all play a role in shaping the job market and can affect your visa eligibility.

Whether you’re eyeing a regional spot or a lively urban centre, understanding where people are moving can give you a head start in your job search.

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