Australians living in some regions reportedly face a shorter life expectancy than others, with new research exposing a stark health postcode divide across the nation.
The research from iSelect analysed SA4 regions, examining 21 factors across housing conditions, climate and environment, population health, and access to healthcare to determine the healthiest regions to live nationally.
Revealing Perth the healthiest and regional Victoria the least.
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Healthiest places to live. Source: iSelect
According to the research, the healthiest places are likely inner-city and coastal regions where good health outcomes, easier access to healthcare and more favourable living conditions all work together.
These locations and communities tended to benefit from higher life expectancy, lower rates of chronic illness, and better access to medical services, helping reduce overall health risks for residents.
Good housing and comfortable weather were additional factors.
At the top of the list sit several areas in Perth, with Inner Perth recording 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.
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Several areas in Perth sat at the top of the healthiest list. Image: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright
The South West and North West Perth were noted to be areas benefiting from mild climates, few extreme hot or cold days and strong housing quality.
Brisbane also performed well, with the Inner City and South Brisbane scoring highly, showing long life expectancy around 84 years, low rates of premature death as well as favourable environmental conditions.
Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs was the top area in NSW, highlighted for good healthcare access, including eight doctors per 1,000 people and a life expectancy of 84.9 years.
Melbourne’s Inner and Inner South scored well due to excellent healthcare and decent climate conditions despite some colder days.
Central and Hills Adelaide and the ACT rounded out the top 10, offering low overcrowding, strong health outcomes and good access to hospitals.
The unhealthiest regions tended to be remote and regional areas where several risk factors overlap.
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Unhealthiest places to live. Source: iSelect
The research found these locations often had older or sicker populations, poorer-quality housing and more extreme climate conditions, factors that can contribute to higher rates of chronic disease, preventable illness and lower life expectancy.
Latrobe–Gippsland in Victoria ranked as the unhealthiest region with an overall ‘unhealthiness’ score of 62.02 out of 100.
Poor population health outcomes and weaker housing conditions heavily impact the region. The research states people who live there show very high levels of chronic illness, lower life expectancy of 80.6 years, and high rates of premature and avoidable deaths.
The cold and damp climate, including 117 cold days and 94 cold nights each year, can place additional strain on 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.”
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