A pandemic-era record has returned. The next chapter looks different
A new report from the Commonwealth Bank and the Regional Australia Institute shows that migration from capital cities to regional areas has returned to record pandemic-era levels. While popular hubs like the Sunshine Coast remain top destinations, data indicates a growing trend of residents moving to smaller, more distant regional centers.
Why it matters
This shift highlights ongoing demographic changes in Australia that impact regional infrastructure, housing demand, and local economic development.
The Commonwealth Bank and the Regional Australia Institute's (RAI) latest Regional Movers Index shows capital-to-regional migration in the June quarter had matched the record levels of the same quarter in 2021. The report reveals capital city residents moving to the regions outnumber those moving in the opposite direction by 30 per cent. While established satellite cities such as the Sunshine Coast and Geelong continue to attract the largest share of movers, the data shows some are looking further afield. The Western Australian regional centre of Greater Geraldton had the highest year-on-year growth, with net inflows from capitals rising by 225 per cent to June 2026. NSW's Clarence Valley and South Australia's Murray Bridge ranked second and third, with growth of 167.3 per cent and 150 per cent, respectively. Queensland's Toowoomba recorded growth of 147.1 per cent after topping the rankings in the March 2026 quarter.
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