New research highlights Australia’s healthiest locations and areas for improvement
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Photo by Horace Young
Australians are witnessing a significant health postcode divide, as new research sheds light on disparities in life expectancy and health outcomes across the nation. The study, conducted by iSelect, examines various SA4 regions by analysing 21 factors, including housing conditions, climate, population health, and access to healthcare, to identify the healthiest and areas needing improvement in the country.
Perth emerges as the nation’s healthiest city, while regional Victoria ranks as the least healthy. The research underscores the critical role of location in determining health outcomes, with urban and coastal areas generally faring better than rural counterparts.
The study reveals that the healthiest regions are typically inner-city and coastal areas where residents benefit from favourable living conditions, better access to healthcare, and positive health outcomes. These regions are characterised by higher life expectancy, lower rates of chronic illness, and improved access to medical services, which collectively reduce health risks for residents. Additional factors contributing to these outcomes include good housing and comfortable weather conditions.
Several areas in Perth, including Inner Perth, South West Perth, and North West Perth, top the list of healthiest places to live. Inner Perth recorded the highest overall healthy score, with only 9.2 per cent of homes having structural problems and just 2.1 per cent of houses overcrowded. These areas benefit from mild climates, minimal extreme weather, and strong housing quality.
Brisbane also performed well in the study, with Inner City and South Brisbane scoring highly. These areas boast a life expectancy of approximately 84 years, low rates of premature death, and favourable environmental conditions. In New South Wales, Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs was highlighted for its excellent healthcare access, with eight doctors per 1,000 people and a life expectancy of 84.9 years.
Melbourne’s Inner and Inner South regions scored well due to their excellent healthcare facilities and decent climate conditions, despite experiencing some colder days. The top 10 healthiest regions are rounded out by Central and Hills Adelaide and the Australian Capital Territory, which offer low overcrowding, strong health outcomes, and good access to hospitals.
Conversely, the regions identified as needing improvement are predominantly remote and regional areas where multiple risk factors converge. These locations often feature older or sicker populations, poorer-quality housing, and more extreme climate conditions, factors that contribute to higher rates of chronic disease, preventable illness, and lower life expectancy.
Latrobe–Gippsland in Victoria is identified as the region needing the most improvement, with an overall ‘unhealthiness’ score of 62.02 out of 100. The area is plagued by poor population health outcomes and weaker housing conditions. Residents in Latrobe–Gippsland exhibit very high levels of chronic illness, a lower life expectancy of 80.6 years, and high rates of premature and avoidable deaths. The region’s cold and damp climate, which includes 117 cold days and 94 cold nights annually, further strains respiratory and cardiovascular health.
“Where you live can have a major impact on your health and wellbeing,” said Andres Gutierrez, General Manager of Health at iSelect. “Our research shows that residents in regional and remote areas often face multiple challenges, from limited access to healthcare and hospital beds to higher rates of chronic illness and exposure to extreme climate conditions. These factors can make it harder to stay healthy and manage existing conditions effectively.”
The research highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy measures to address the health disparities between urban and rural areas. By improving access to healthcare, enhancing housing conditions, and mitigating the effects of extreme climates, policymakers can work towards reducing the health postcode divide and improving health outcomes for all Australians.