The search for love may begin with a property search, according to new Census analysis from Atom Go Tian, Senior Data Analyst at Ray White Group.
Examining suburbs with at least 500 single residents engaged in work, education or training, Mr Go Tian found that single men and women consistently cluster in different locations at every stage of life – creating a geographic mismatch that shifts over decades.
The 20s: Barracks vs beaches
In their twenties, single men concentrate around industrial hubs and defence bases. Annandale in Townsville leads nationally, with 268 single men for every 100 women, reflecting its proximity to Lavarack Barracks.
Single women gravitate toward lifestyle suburbs by beaches and university towns. Wagga Wagga North records just 66 single men per 100 women, while Burleigh Heads, Byron Bay and Coogee-Clovelly show similar female skews, albeit at significantly higher median prices.
Even within Sydney, the divide is clear. Lakemba has 227 single men for every 100 women, while Double Bay-Darling Point records just 66.
The 30s: Migration corridors vs blue-chip suburbs
By their thirties, the imbalance intensifies. Lakemba records 304 single men for every 100 women — the highest disparity nationally across any age group. The broader Auburn corridor reflects similar patterns, shaped by migration and proximity to Parramatta.
Single women in their thirties cluster in established wealth suburbs. Woollahra leads with just 54 single men per 100 women, followed by Bellevue Hill, Mosman South and Cremorne-Cammeray. Melbourne’s Armadale mirrors the trend.
The 40s: CBD living vs family homes
In their forties, single men gravitate toward premium inner-city locations including Darlinghurst and Brisbane City.
Single women move outward to family-oriented suburbs such as Caloundra West-Baringa, Kuraby, Wishart and Epping East-North Epping. Family breakdown dynamics may contribute, with women more likely to retain established homes tied to school catchments.
The 50s: Urban bachelors vs outer-ring stability
By their fifties, single men cluster in inner-Sydney neighbourhoods including Surry Hills, Chippendale and Millers Point.
Single women concentrate in middle-ring and growth suburbs such as Ryde South, Clyde North and Marsden Park.
Across a lifetime, men and women follow markedly different property paths. This Valentine’s Day, the data suggests the search for love may hinge as much on postcode as chemistry.
