Outback city's young population revels in its housing market amid low prices
An outback city known for its rodeos and red dirt is home to one of the youngest average populations in Australia. With so many under 35s flocking to Mount Isa, it might be an opportunity to step into the housing market.
In the north-west Queensland city of Mount Isa, a young population is reveling in the city's housing market despite low prices. The median age of the residents is just 31 years old, making it one of the youngest in Australia. The city's nickname, "the oasis of the outback," reflects its appeal to younger people seeking job opportunities.
Despite the lack of new builds, many young families have purchased homes in Mount Isa. Emma Scott, a 31-year-old mother of four, moved to Mount Isa as a teenager and purchased her first home for under $350,000, a price that would be higher in a metro region. The city's mayor, Cr Peta MacRae, is proud of the young, vibrant community and highlights the affordability of housing in Mount Isa compared to other areas.
However, the city council reports that only five new private dwellings were built since 2022, which could be a deterrent for potential buyers.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
