KPMG: Prime locations for growing families
Population growth in Melbourne’s outer suburbs linked to housing affordability and community infrastructure
New demographic analysis by KPMG shows a notable rise in birth rates across Australia’s regional and greenfield urban areas.
KPMG Chief Economist Brendan Rawnley said there’s opportunities for families outside of the city.
“It’s no surprise Melbourne’s greenfield suburbs are prime locations for growing families, offering bigger backyards, plenty of space and much more affordable housing than areas closer to the city.
“The western and northern growth corridors are where we are seeing the biggest baby boom, which is feeding into overall population growth in these areas.”
In Wyndham, the local government area for Manor Lakes, there are 110 babies born each week.
Wyndham City Deputy Mayor, Cr Josh Gilligan, said the local government area is expected to reach almost half a million people by 2040.
“In Wyndham there are 110 babies born each week in our municipality.”
“Young families, under 35 years old, currently make up over 50% of our population,” Deputy Mayor Cr Gilligan said.
“In this light, Council has families and children at the forefront in their decision making about services, programs and infrastructure.”
The trend highlighted in KPMG’s analysis aligns with broader demographic patterns identified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which also points to outward migration from capital cities to regional and peri-urban areas post-COVID.
Cost of living, access to schools and healthcare, and lifestyle amenities are primary drivers.
KPMG’s analysis found that while Melbourne’s falling fertility rate, it was the outer suburbs that were bouncing back with new bubs.
“Melbourne has really struggled to stabilise its fertility rate since the pandemic,” Mr Rawnsley said.
“The city did not have a post-covid spike in births like most other cities, possibly because its lockdowns were more protracted than both Sydney and Brisbane.”
Melbourne suburbs with the most births in 2024:
- Mickleham – Yuroke: 854
- Rockbank – Mount Cottrell: 787
- Wollert: 617
- Werribee – West: 590
- Clyde North – South: 559
KPMG: Birth rates bounce back in the regions, but cost-of-living holding back growth in the cities
Planning for half a million residents in Wyndham
“Wyndham City takes future population growth into account in all our planning and decision making to ensure our city is equipped now and, in the future, to meet the needs of our community,” Deputy Mayor Cr Gilligan said.
“Council uses future planning and forecasting to strategically determine what services, programs and infrastructure will be needed by growing families in the future, including maternal child health, and early years services, kindergartens, schools, community centres as well as identifying recreational facilities and green spaces like parks, reserves, playgrounds and dog off leash parks.”