Australia’s unhealthiest regions revealed in new research naming top danger zones

You’ve scrutinised the school zones, crunched the capital growth figures, and fallen in love with the kitchen, but there’s a hidden factor in your property search that could be far more critical: your health.

Health comparison experts at iSelect have pulled back the curtain on the nation’s health hotspots and hazards, meticulously analysing 21 factors across housing, climate, population health, and healthcare access.

The results are a stark wake-up call, exposing the regions where chronic illness thrives, life expectancy plummets, and your address could literally be shortening your life.

Australia’s unhealthiest hotspots

Leading the charge as Australia’s unhealthiest region is Latrobe–Gippsland in Victoria, with an alarming ‘unhealthiness’ score of 62.02 out of 100.

The region is heavily impacted by poor population health outcomes and weaker housing conditions.

According to the research, residents here exhibit very high levels of chronic illness (48.3 per cent), a lower life expectancy of just 80.6 years, and high rates of premature (246 per 100,000) and avoidable deaths (127 per 100,000).

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Adding to the burden, its cold and damp climate, featuring 117 cold days and 94 cold nights annually, places additional strain on respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Coming in second is Darling Downs–Maranoa in Queensland, scoring 59.96.

Population health is the primary concern here, with the region ranking among the bottom 10 nationally for life expectancy (80.7 years) and the top ten for premature deaths (260.1 per 100,000) and avoidable deaths (146 per 100,000).

Extreme heat also plays a significant role, with approximately 46 very hot days and 63 hot nights each year.

This challenge is compounded by comparatively weaker access to healthcare services, contributing to the region’s elevated overall risk score.

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Rounding out the top three unhealthiest regions is West and North West Tasmania, with a score of 58.88 out of 100.

This area registers a high population health and outcomes score of 90.73, coupled with a cold, wet, and humid environment.

Residents endure around 96 high-humidity days, 182 cold days, and 90 cold nights per year. These conditions can exacerbate respiratory issues, increase mould risks, and impact overall liveability, a situation worsened by housing conditions that are slightly below average.

“Where you live can have a major impact on your health and wellbeing,”

Australia is also facing a significant mould crisis, intensified by recent wet weather and warmer temperatures, leading to widespread issues in homes, particularly rentals and public housing, causing serious health problems, and halting major projects like prison expansions, with experts calling for urgent building code changes to address poor ventilation and dampness in modern homes.

Health at iSelect general manager Andres Gutierrez said.

“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.”

A glimpse at the healthiest

In stark contrast, Australia’s healthiest places to live are typically inner-city and coastal regions, where good health outcomes, easier access to healthcare, and more favourable living conditions coalesce.

These areas generally benefit from higher life expectancy, lower rates of chronic illness, and superior access to medical services.

Inner Perth in Western Australia stands out as the healthiest region in the country, boasting an ‘unhealthiness’ score of just 9.92 out of 100.

Source: iselect

It excels in population health, with a life expectancy of 85 years and well-below-average rates of premature and avoidable deaths.

South West Perth and Brisbane Inner City also feature prominently among the healthiest, showcasing the benefits of robust healthcare infrastructure and conducive living environments.

This research underscores a crucial point: your geographical location is a powerful determinant of your health. For many Aussies, understanding these regional disparities could be the first step towards a healthier future.

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