Regional Baby Boom? What It Means for Armstrong Creek Families

Regional Australia saw 94,900 births over the past year—marking a 3.9% increase compared to 2023, according to new analysis by KPMG.

This contrasts with metro areas where rising housing costs, rents, and childcare expenses may be deterring younger families.

“Rising rents, mortgage payments and childcare costs in the metro areas are putting a handbrake on people’s plans to start or grow their family,” KPMG Urban Economist Terry Rawnsley said.

“Instead, regional communities are continuing to emerge as popular places to live, work and raise a family, with affordability now top of mind for many Australians.”

As part of the Greater Geelong area, Armstrong Creek is reaping the benefits of this regional trend.

With access to affordable land, quality infrastructure, and a growing sense of community, it’s increasingly attractive for families seeking a regional lifestyle without sacrificing urban conveniences.

The latest Regional Movers Index published by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) showed that Geelong has officially overtaken Queensland’s Sunshine Coast as the top destination for internal migration in Australia.

Geelong now leads the nation for the highest number of people relocating from capital cities to regional areas.

The index, based on Commonwealth Bank data from customer relocations, shows Geelong accounted for 4.4% of all regional moves from capital cities during the 12 months to March 2025, just ahead of the Sunshine Coast on 4.3%.

According to the City of Greater Geelong, the region is projected to accommodate over 100,000 new residents by 2050.

To support this growth, Armstrong Creek will be home to one of three new multi-purpose sports centres. Ashbury residents will be able to walk to the new recreational facility, just across Barwarre Road on the western boundary.

The Armstrong Creek Sports Centre is due to be completed by the end of 2026.

 

KPMG: Birth rates bounce back in the regions, but cost-of-living holding back growth in the cities

Photo by Pat Whelen on Unsplash