According to interstate migration data analysed by the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), New South Wales residents are packing up and heading north in droves, confirming what locals have always known: Queensland is the place to be.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said New South Wales was experiencing the largest net loss of residents in the country, and many of them are heading straight for the Sunshine State.
“It seems when it comes to Queensland’s lifestyle, the Blues are turning green with envy,” Ms Mercorella said.
“Whether you bleed blue or maroon, the scoreboard doesn’t lie… people are voting with their feet, and they’re moving to Queensland.
“Queensland’s liveability, relative housing affordability, and economic momentum are hard to beat, and the migration figures reflect that – Queensland is the clear winner.”
The latest population data from ABS (reporting on the year to December 2024) reveals Queensland gained 25,940 people through interstate migration, while New South Wales lost 28,118 people – many of them ending up in Queensland.
In fact, New South Wales accounted for 60.2 per cent of Queensland’s net interstate migration gain of 29,900 in 2023-24, with 18,000 residents crossing the border from NSW to QLD.
Ms Mercorella said these migration trends have been building for years, with the momentum accelerating post-pandemic, driven by lifestyle preferences, affordability pressures, and the appeal of Queensland’s decentralised population centres.
“Brisbane is no longer just the ‘up-and-comer’ capital city – it’s arrived.
REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin said Queensland might be getting a little ahead of itself by claiming the top position.
“New South Wales is known far and wide as the premier state, and there’s good reason for that,” Mr McKibbin said.
“The most people live here, the majority of Australia’s economy is here, and we have the best sporting facilities, thanks in part to the legacy of the 2000 Olympics.
“As for the claim that everyone’s packing up and heading to Queensland – well, that’s not according to the ABS figures.
“New South Wales’ population is growing, and that growth is actually a challenge – we’re struggling to find accommodation for people.
“I think if you spoke to the people standing in queues down the street to inspect a rental property, they’d probably be relieved to hear people are moving to Queensland – if that were the case.”
And as for the big game, Mr McKibbin said NSW might just have the last laugh.
“Oh, I think it’s pretty clear that New South Wales is going to win,” he said.
“It’s a well-oiled machine – they play with precision and cooperation.
“It’s very hard to beat a team that’s a genuine team.
“I can see New South Wales really crushing the Queenslanders this time around.”
