New research reveals the regional hotspots where young Australians aged 20-29 are relocating as capital city property prices surge beyond reach.

Australia's capital cities are experiencing a demographic shift. Over the course of 2024, a net 33,000 people left cities while 35,000 moved to regional areas, driven largely by housing affordability pressures that have hit young Australians hardest.

With Brisbane's median house price now exceeding $1 million and regional properties ranging from 53% (regional NSW) to 81% (regional Tasmania) of capital city prices, young people are making a calculated decision: build their future somewhere they can actually afford to live and buy.

While motivations vary - some relocate for work opportunities, others seek working holidays, and families pursue lifestyle changes - affordability remains the common thread enabling young Australians to make these moves possible.

The research reveals explosive population growth in specific regional areas, with multiple Queensland coastal towns recording 13-18% spikes in 20-29 year olds over just one year.

Queensland dominates the young regional migration story, with the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast beachside destinations recording the nation's strongest growth. Two of the state's top five areas sit within 75km of Brisbane, demonstrating young buyers seek beach lifestyle without complete remoteness.

Top 5 Queensland regional areas with surging 20-29 populations:

Paradise Point-Hollywell, a Gold Coast suburb just 59km from Brisbane, posted 15.08% annual growth where beach lifestyle meets affordability. Caloundra West-Baringa's explosive 70.84% five-year surge represents the Sunshine Coast's growing appeal as a beachside living destination.

Victoria's growth centres on the Bellarine Peninsula's seaside towns and regional centres within commuting distance of Melbourne. All top five areas recorded double-digit annual growth, with Point Lonsdale-Queenscliff and Barwon Heads posting over 40% five-year surges.

Top 5 Victoria regional areas with surging 20-29 populations:

Point Lonsdale-Queenscliff, tucked inside Port Phillip Bay on the Bellarine Peninsula just 90 minutes from Melbourne, leads with 16.14% annual growth and 40.61% over five years. Barwon Heads on the Bellarine's southern coast recorded 13.05% annual growth and 44.84% over five years.

Woodend in the Macedon Ranges, one hour from Melbourne CBD, shows 12.90% annual growth reversing a five-year decline. Beechworth, three hours northeast, similarly reversed decline with 12.55% annual growth, proving even remote centres can attract young relocators seeking affordability.

After years of young people abandoning regional NSW, 2024 marked a turning point with 1.5% growth across the state's regional areas. All top five areas recorded double-digit annual increases, with coastal beach destinations and rural lifestyle properties dominating.

Top 5 NSW regional areas with surging 20-29 populations:

Kiama Downs-Minnamurra's reversal from -11.64% decline to +13.17% growth demonstrates how quickly sentiment shifts under affordability pressure. Redhead, a coastal Lake Macquarie suburb, posted 12.95% annual growth. Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest's 12.74% growth is notable given the area's traditional retiree demographic (median age 65), suggesting a changing of the guard.

Berrara, a secluded coastal village on the south coast, forms part of Sussex Inlet-Berrara's 10.03% annual growth. Tomerong-Wandandian-Woollamia in the Shoalhaven attracts buyers seeking small acreage rural lifestyle within reach of Sydney, posting 11.11% annual growth. The pattern is clear: coastal beach destinations or rural acreage properties where young buyers can actually afford to enter the market.

Western Australia's growth centres entirely on the state's southwest, with young West Australians choosing coastal towns and rural centres over mining communities or northern areas. The Margaret River region dominates, with two of the top five areas within 200km of Perth.

Top 5 WA regional areas with surging 20-29 populations:

The Margaret River region's appeal is evident, with Busselton Surrounds posting 11.10% annual growth building on 13.92% over five years, while Donnybrook-Balingup leads the state with 13.85% annual growth. Both areas combine coastal or rural lifestyle with wine region proximity.

Irwin, 300km north of Perth, recorded 10.57% annual growth building on a remarkable 27.39% five-year surge, demonstrating even areas hours from Perth can capture young populations when offering the right affordability and opportunity mix.

South Australia's wine regions and coastal towns lead the state's young population growth, with all top five areas recording increases over the past year. The Barossa's 19.63% five-year growth demonstrates sustained appeal beyond short-term trends.

Top 5 SA regional areas with surging 20-29 populations:

Yankalilla leads with 11.63% annual growth, while Yorke Peninsula coastal towns capture young relocators, with Wallaroo posting 8.31% growth and Moonta recording 7.75%. Wallaroo, just 160km north of Adelaide, offers swimming, fishing and coastal lifestyle at accessible prices.

Barossa-Angaston's 7.20% annual growth building on 19.63% over five years confirms wine regions offer both lifestyle appeal and employment opportunities that resonate with younger buyers seeking affordability outside Adelaide.

Tasmania's heritage areas and island communities continue attracting young relocators, with Forestier-Tasman's 35.04% five-year surge demonstrating appeal extends well beyond Hobart's immediate surrounds. Regional Tasmania sits at 81% of Hobart's median price, the highest regional-to-capital ratio nationally.

Top 5 Tasmania regional areas with surging 20-29 populations:

Bruny Island-Kettering and Derwent Valley lead with over 9% annual growth, offering island lifestyle and heritage town appeal within an hour of Hobart. Forestier-Tasman's 35.04% five-year increase shows sustained demand for coastal communities despite greater distance from the capital.

Even with regional Tasmania at 81% of Hobart's median price, the relative affordability compared to mainland capitals is drawing young Australians seeking island lifestyle at accessible price points while maintaining reasonable proximity to employment centres.

The Northern Territory demonstrates consistent young population growth across its vast regional areas, with Ross leading at 12.53% annual growth. The Territory's growth is more geographically dispersed than southern states, reflecting unique settlement patterns across remote communities.

Top 5 NT regional areas with surging 20-29 populations:

Ross's sustained 19.53% five-year growth demonstrates that even extreme remoteness doesn't deter young Australians seeking opportunity and affordability. Tennant Creek, 868km southeast of Darwin, recorded 5.82% annual growth, while Daly just 53km from the capital posted 3.77% growth.

The breadth of growth across the Territory reflects employment opportunities and lifestyle appeal spread across vast distances rather than concentrated in single hotspots, with Flynn's 11.81% five-year increase showing sustained momentum in the Territory's south.