Queensland continues to distinguish itself as one of Australia’s strongest performers in population growth, supported by a long-standing record of positive migration flows from interstate and overseas, notably from New Zealand (ranked first in 2024-25), India, and China (see our new Population Update report). The latest population data for the June quarter 2025 reinforce a consistent message: Queensland has never recorded negative net interstate migration and remains one of the country’s most attractive destinations for both international and interstate movers.
In 2024-25, Queensland recorded an increase of almost 98,000 people, the third-largest population gain nationally. The state’s annual population growth rate of 1.8 per cent exceeded the national average of 1.5 per cent and was matched only by Victoria, trailing Western Australia with 2.2 per cent. This performance is not new. Over the past four decades, Queensland’s population has grown at an average annual rate of around 2.0 per cent, well above the national average of 1.4 per cent.
As a result, Queensland’s share of Australia’s population has risen steadily, from around 16 per cent in the mid-1980s to more than 20 per cent today. Forward projections suggest this trend will persist, with Queensland expected to account for around 26 per cent of the national population by the mid-2060s, based on National and Queensland population projections.
Population growth in Queensland is increasingly driven by migration. In 2024-25, migration accounted for 79 per cent of the state’s total population growth, significantly higher than historical averages. This reflects both strong net interstate migration and sustained net overseas migration.
Queensland is unique in Australia: it is the only state or territory to have recorded positive net interstate migration in every financial year since the early 1980s. Lifestyle preferences, climate, employment opportunities, and relative affordability, particularly compared with Sydney and Melbourne, continue to draw people north.
One of the most notable features of migration trends is Queensland’s growing appeal to New Zealand citizens, particularly in the last two financial years. Net migration from New Zealand to Queensland increased by almost 80 per cent between 2022-23 and 2024-25, reaching approximately 14,200 people per year. New Zealand is now responsible for nearly one-quarter of Queensland’s net overseas migration.
New Zealand migrants are also highly concentrated in South East Queensland. More than one-third of New Zealanders living in Australia reside in Brisbane and the Gold Coast—far above what would be expected based on these regions’ share of the national population. Labour market opportunities, lifestyle factors, and geographic proximity continue to reinforce Queensland’s position as the preferred destination for New Zealanders moving to Australia.
Strong population growth has had profound economic impacts on Queensland. Migration expands the labour force, supports consumer demand, and underpins activity across construction, services, and retail sectors. However, rapid population growth also has important implications for infrastructure requirements and housing markets.
Both interstate and overseas migration increases housing demand. In Queensland, population inflows have been associated with rising dwelling prices and rents, especially in Greater Brisbane. Over the year to December 2025, Brisbane dwelling prices rose by around 14.5 per cent, while rents increased by more than 7 per cent over the year to the beginning of January 2026.
Queensland’s population growth is not a short-term phenomenon. Persistent migration inflows, a strong connection with New Zealand, and long-run lifestyle and economic advantages suggest the state will remain one of Australia’s fastest-growing jurisdictions for decades. For policymakers and industry, the challenge is to ensure that housing supply, infrastructure investment, and planning frameworks keep pace with population growth, so that Queensland’s demographic success continues to support economic prosperity without exacerbating affordability pressures.
The full Queensland and National Population Update to June quarter 2025, prepared by Adept Economics, is available here: Population data – June 25.