Regions beckon as young Aussies rethink city life

Young Australians are ditching the big city for a regional lifestyle, study finds

Many older Australians move to the regions to retire. But, a new survey has found that young people are joining them. Almost half of Gen-Z and Millennials, who are living in capital cities, want to move to the regions. It's an urban exodus that could exact a high demographic price.

Affordability, opportunity, quality of life: why Gen Z sees future in regions

Discover why young Aussies are leaving cities for regional prospects, affordability, and a better quality of life.

Regions beckon as young Aussies rethink city life

Almost half of Australians aged 18 to 29 are considering leaving cities for the regions, driven by the cost of living, work opportunities and lifestyle factors.

The shift to the regions is on but where's the plan?

Regional Australia Institute CEO Liz Ritchie says Australia needs a National Population Plan. Photo: Region. Younger Australians are increasingly moving to the regions in search of cheaper housing and a better lifestyle, and the government needs to plan for a potential mass migration of millions. New survey results from the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) show that more than 5.3 million, or one in three (37 per cent) metropolitan Australians,…

Gen Z leads great urban exodus - Australia’s future workforce is heading to the regions: RAI I Australian Rural & Regional News

Regional Australia Institute (RAI), Media Release, 17 February 2026 Generation Z may be on the march to the regions – now the most likely cohort considering a move out of metro areas, according to new survey results released today by the Regional Australia Institute (the RAI).  Generation Z (18 to 29 years) has overtaken its older counterpart, Millennials (30 to 45 years), in having the greatest desire to leave the city behind, with almost half…