Are People Still Moving to Brisbane?
For years, Brisbane has been a prime destination for Australians looking to relocate, particularly from the southern states. With its warm climate, lifestyle appeal, and relatively affordable housing, many people found the Queensland capital an enticing place to put down roots. But with property markets cooling, infrastructure feeling the strain, and more competition from regional areas, the question is being asked more frequently in 2025: are people still moving to Brisbane?
The short answer is yes, although the story is more complex than it was during the height of pandemic-era migration. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Brisbane continues to experience strong population growth, adding more than 88,000 people in the most recent data year. It remains the fastest-growing capital city in Australia, a trend driven largely by interstate migration. However, some subtle shifts are starting to emerge.
A growing number of newcomers are now considering the outer suburbs or relocating directly to regional Queensland, bypassing Brisbane’s inner city altogether. The Regional Australia Institute recently reported a 4.6% rise in movements from capital cities to regional areas in the March 2025 quarter. For some, the appeal lies in lifestyle. For others, it's about affordability and access to land. This emerging trend has not diminished Brisbane’s appeal altogether, but it is reshaping how and where people choose to live within the city and surrounding regions.
The Brisbane Times recently reported that the city is set for a population shift not seen since the 1970s, driven by continued migration from interstate and the rising appeal of Queensland’s climate and cost of living. The article pointed to a growing demand for housing and services, alongside emerging concerns about how well the city can accommodate the influx.
Brisbane’s upcoming infrastructure pipeline, including developments for the 2032 Olympic Games, has further cemented its long-term appeal. The RSM Leading Cities Report highlights Brisbane as one of Australia’s top-performing urban centres in terms of livability, job growth, and resilience. It also points to a more diversified economy, with growing sectors in technology, education, and health, not just tourism or construction. This economic outlook is one reason why interstate removalist Brisbane services are still in high demand.
Many removalist companies are reporting a consistent flow of new arrivals, especially from New South Wales and Victoria. While the frenzy of relocations seen during 2021 to 2022 has eased, the long-term pattern of movement northward is far from over. In fact, some industry professionals say that quieter, more planned moves have replaced the rush, as people take more time to evaluate neighbourhoods, schools, and job prospects. For an interstate removalist Brisbane continues to be one of the busiest relocation destinations in the country.
Affordability, while no longer what it once was, still plays a role. While median house prices in Brisbane have risen significantly over the past five years, they still remain lower than in Sydney or Melbourne. Paired with Queensland’s lower cost of living and a more laid-back lifestyle, Brisbane offers a compelling value proposition, especially for young families and early retirees.
However, the question “are people still moving to Brisbane” also reflects deeper curiosity about sustainability. Can the city keep pace with growth? Will public services and housing keep up with demand? These are questions city planners and state officials are grappling with as they prepare for a forecasted population of over 3.6 million by 2032.
In summary, yes, people are still moving to Brisbane. But the motivations are becoming more nuanced, and the city’s future depends on how well it manages the challenges that come with rapid growth. What was once a simple trend has matured into a complex demographic shift, shaped by economics, climate, infrastructure, and lifestyle. Whether arriving with a family, chasing remote work dreams, or escaping the southern chill, people continue to head north. And Brisbane, despite its growing pains, still has plenty to offer.
