As retirement approaches, choosing the right suburb can significantly impact seniors’ quality of life, especially in terms of healthcare access. An analysis by SpaceTalk, using data from Microburbs and the Australian Bureau of Statistics, has identified the suburbs that are most and least favorable for retirees, based on the availability of healthcare facilities and the proportion of elderly residents.
The “senior risk score,” calculated by SpaceTalk, factors in the percentage of residents aged 65 and over and the number of healthcare facilities within a 5km radius. The analysis highlights how crucial access to medical services is for seniors, many of whom are heavy users of healthcare, with one-third of homebuyers in Australia now considering this factor when relocating.
The Worst Suburbs for Retirees
The analysis reveals that some regions, particularly rural areas, face significant challenges in accommodating the elderly population. Suburbs with high percentages of seniors and minimal healthcare options are considered the riskiest for retirement.
Augusta, WA, tops the list with 44.3% of its population over 65, but with limited access to healthcare within 5km.
Tuross Head, NSW, and Port Broughton, SA, follow closely, both having over 43% of residents aged 65 and older and no nearby healthcare facilities.
Other suburbs in the top 20 include areas such as Ardrossan (SA), Bingara (NSW), and Shearwater (Tasmania), where senior populations also surpass 40%, but healthcare services are severely lacking. SpaceTalk’s CEO Simon Crowther emphasizes that these areas may be ideal for those seeking peace and solitude but are not suitable for retirees who require frequent medical attention.
The Best Suburbs for Retirees
On the flip side, cities with better access to healthcare facilities and a lower concentration of elderly residents are more appealing for seniors looking to retire comfortably. Among these, Zetland, Chippendale, and Haymarket in Sydney stand out, with senior populations below 4%, ensuring that retirees can enjoy vibrant urban lifestyles while having medical services close by.
Zetland (NSW) offers 3.6% of residents over 65, making it one of the most senior-friendly suburbs.
Bowen Hills in Brisbane and West Melbourne in Victoria are also considered top choices, with just a small portion of their populations being seniors.
Interestingly, these suburbs tend to be in inner-city areas where healthcare facilities, public transport, and other services are easily accessible, making them attractive for retirees who wish to stay active and engaged while managing their healthcare needs.
Shifting Priorities for Retirees
Crowther notes that as Australians age, the desire to live near family and work will increasingly take a backseat to the need for nearby medical services. The growing elderly population, with over 2.5 million homeowners aged 65 and over, is expected to drive significant changes in the housing market. By 2025, Baby Boomers are projected to account for 250,000 property transactions, many of which will be motivated by the search for accessible healthcare.
The Growing Importance of Healthcare Access
The trend is clear: proximity to healthcare services is becoming one of the most important factors for retirees when choosing where to live. According to SpaceTalk’s data, there are currently 438 Australian suburbs with no healthcare facilities within 5km, many of which are located in rural or remote areas. As the senior population grows, the demand for suburban areas with good healthcare infrastructure will only increase.
For those considering retirement in 2025, it’s clear that factors like healthcare availability and the density of senior residents should play a central role in choosing the best suburb for their needs. Suburbs like Zetland and Bowen Hills offer the best combination of low senior populations and ample medical services, while more remote areas like Augusta and Tuross Head might be better suited for those seeking peace but lacking in critical amenities.
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