New research reveals a hidden population crisis across Australia, with more than one-third of regions (37%) requiring overseas migration to avoid negative population growth as locals abandon these areas in unprecedented numbers.

The exodus is even broader, with 45% of Australian regions experiencing net internal migration outflows as residents seek cheaper property prices, education opportunities and lifestyle changes elsewhere.

The Immigration Dependency Crisis

Two-thirds of immigration-dependent regions are located within Australia's major cities, exposing a nationwide urban exodus. Without international arrivals, these 37% of areas would face population decline, fundamentally altering Australia's demographic landscape.

Sydney City and Inner South exemplifies this crisis with the most significant population divergence in the country. While official figures show 2.05% growth, this masks a devastating reality: 3% of locals fled the area in the past year, requiring a massive 4.6% overseas net migration influx just to maintain population growth.

Inner Cities Under Siege

The pattern extends across Australia's major urban centres, with inner Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth all ranking among regions where overseas migration compensates for mass local departures. Nearly half of all Australian regions (45%) are losing more residents to other areas than they gain, driven by housing affordability pressures and lifestyle preferences.

Without international arrivals, these areas would face population collapse, fundamentally altering infrastructure planning and urban development.

The Great Migration North

A fundamental shift is being driven by housing affordability. There's a clear net migration from NSW to Queensland as Australians chase the same beach lifestyle at a fraction of the price. When 37% of regions need overseas migration just to avoid population decline, it shows how house prices are reshaping where Australians can afford to live.