Overseas migration is continuing to drive population growth in Australia’s capital cities.
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today show that an extra 430,000 people crammed into the capitals in the 12 months to June 2024.
The growth rate for the capitals combined was 2.4 percent, almost double the growth rate for regional Australia (1.3 percent).
The trend reinforced the ongoing housing crisis in major centres as population growth runs ahead of accommodation supply.
Melbourne recorded the largest population growth at 142,600 followed by Sydney (107,500) and Perth and Brisbane (both around 73,000 people).
Perth had the highest growth rate (3.1 percent), followed by Melbourne and Brisbane, both at 2.7 percent.
In Queensland the largest population growth areas in 2023-24 were:
- Ripley (up by 2700) in Ipswich
- Caloundra West – Baringa on the Sunshine Coast (2500)
- Chambers Flat – Logan Reserve (2400)
In percentage terms the highest increases were recorded in:
- Chambers Flat – Logan Reserve (19 percent)
- Ripley (15 percent)
- Greenbank – North Maclean (13 percent) in Logan
Net overseas migration (44,300) was the largest contributor to Greater Brisbane’s population increase, followed by net internal migration (15,600) and natural increase (13,100).
Redbank Plains in Ipswich was the most significant baby belt, with a natural population increase of 420 people.
The full report is on the ABS website.
