Canberra's population has grown at a faster rate than Sydney and Melbourne in the last four years, according to analysis by KPMG.
While Molonglo has had the biggest relative population boom, inner-city suburbs are popular among working age professionals and families.
There were nearly 5600 more residents aged 20 to 64 in north Canberra in 2023 than 2019, but nearly 400 fewer people aged 20 or under.
Worker's paradise
Canberra is a popular place for workers looking for job opportunities and affordable living options, KPMG urban economist Terry Rawnsley said.
He said inner suburbs like Braddon, Acton and Dickson have been attracting an influx of families and working age individuals, aged 20 to 64.
"This is in stark contrast to the noticeable decline observed in Sydney and Melbourne, where housing affordability is displacing residents. These younger people bring a vibrancy and liveability which only helps to attract more people to Canberra," Mr Rawnsley said.
However, like other major cities, Canberra has seen a decline in young children living in "prime residential areas", according to the KPMG analysis.
This could be a reflection of broader trends like the high cost of housing and lower birth rates.
Greenfields areas in Gungahlin - land with newly built houses and infrastructure - added thousands of new residents between 2019 and 2023.
The bulk of these new residents have been working-aged families rather than the older people aged 65 and over, perhaps reflecting affordability.
Urban development in the capital has also shifted to the north over the past 20 years.
In the south, Tuggeranong has had the smallest increase in population.
It appears to be more popular for older people than families.
It gained nearly 2700 residents over 65, but has 513 fewer people 20 years and younger.
Mr Rawnsley said an influx of working-age professionals was a positive sign for the capital.
"The concept of 'place' holds particular significance for Canberra, not only as our nation's capital but also as a magnet for employment opportunities and tourism," he said.
"The presence of a lively cafe scene, exceptional art and cultural institutions in the city contributes substantially to its economic vitality."
Bucking the trend
Canberra's inner city population boom stands in stark contrast to some areas of Sydney and Melbourne.
In those major cities, the eastern suburbs have seen a decline of about 2.5 per cent in working-aged residents.
Mr Rawnsley believes this may because young people are being priced out.
"Despite being areas with exceptional access to jobs and excellent local infrastructure, inner city suburbs of Melbourne and Sydney are seeing a decline in population simply because young people can't afford to live there," he said.
"As workers move farther from city centres, the strain on transport and local infrastructure in suburban areas intensifies, raising implications for urban planning."
The inner city suburban working populations of Perth and Brisbane increased by 6.7 per cent and 8.2 per cent respectively.
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