Mapped: Best places to raise a family in Qld ranked

The best place to raise a family in Queensland has been revealed, according to new data which has ranked the state’s 80 most liveable suburbs. SEE THE MAP

Mia 10, Murray, Maizy 4, Emily, and Miles 8 Hall with dog Maxi love their suburb Kenmore Hills. Pic: Adam Head

Brisbane’s leafy western suburbs is the best place to raise a family according to new data which has ranked Queensland’s 80 most liveable suburbs.

The research, by iSelect, looked into childcare access, and child development scores to determine which areas across the state were best for raising children.

Kenmore, Brookfield and Moggill, in Brisbane’s inner-west, came out on top.

Southeast Queensland suburbs dominated the top of the list, with Sherwood and Indooroopilly, Brisbane Inner West, Brisbane Inner East and The Gap rounding off the top five.

The top regional Queensland suburb was Mudgeeraba – Tallebudgera, which had an index score of 74.39.

iSelect spokeswoman Sophie Ryan said Kenmore, Brookfield, and Moggill stood out in the research for raising a family because of “strong developmental outcomes and accessible and affordable childcare”.

With a fertility rate of 1.58 per woman, Ms Ryan said it suggested families weren’t just moving in, they were staying and growing their families because of the area’s stability and lifestyle.

“The suburbs have the benefit of quality schools, strong community infrastructure, and many childcare facilities, which are key drivers when looking for the right place to raise a family,” she said.

“One standout finding is how early childhood development scores can reflect deeper community strengths. The Sherwood – Indooroopilly region led the state at 88.5 per cent, according to our findings that show the impact of strong local support, stability, and access to services.”

Ms Ryan said it was “unsurprising” to see that all of the top five regions were in or around Brisbane.

Brisbane suburbs are among the best to raise a family. Pic: Adam Head

“Given the popularity of lifestyle destinations like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, families are moving there for the relaxed pace, smaller populations, and perceived affordability … surprisingly, these areas were let down by low childcare availability,” she said.

Mother of three Emily Hall said the family moved to Kenmore when they returned to Queensland, from Victoria, at the start of 2024.

Their youngest daughter Maizy, 4, is now enrolled at the same kindergarten her father Murray went to as a child.

“We always loved Kenmore because of the vicinity to the family, but also for one we’ve got Mt Coot-tha right on our doorstep and it also has that sort of the semirural feel.”