Bond University’s Happiness Index reveals Australia’s happy hot spots

From major cities to the very remote, a landmark study has lifted the lid on the areas where Aussies are the happiest. See if your municipality made the grade.

Exclusive: If you’re looking to make a move in search of a better quality of life, you’ll find hotspots across the country.

Bond University’s Happiness Project analysed Census and other publicly available data to measure 540 Australian municipalities across nine key categories affecting quality of life; housing affordability, education, community, jobs, wealth, accessibility, work-life balance, health and safety. Each life area was scored out of 10.

From major cities, to very remote areas, here’s where you’ll find the best of all worlds.

THE HAPPINESS PROJECT:

AUSTRALIA’S ULTIMATE PLACE TO LIVE

REGIONS SMASH CITIES FOR HARDEST WORKERS

HOUSE PRICE SHOCK AS REGIONAL AFFORDABILITY TUMBLES

WHERE TO FIND THE KINDEST AUSSIES

WORST AREAS FOR AUSSIE SINGLES

BEST OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE IN A ‘MAJOR CITY’ AREA:

1. Nillumbik (VIC)

2. Ku-ring-gai (NSW)

3. Boroondara (VIC)

4. Mosman (NSW)

5. Bayside (VIC)

BEST OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE IN ‘INNER REGIONAL’ AREA:

1. Surf Coast (VIC)

2. Hobart (TAS)

3. Yass Valley (NSW)

4. Canberra (ACT)

5. Queenscliffe (VIC)

Mayor Karen Egan of Nillumbik Shire, which offers the best quality of like in a major city area, according to Bond University’s Happiness Index. Picture: Tim Carrafa

BEST OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE IN AN ‘OUTER REGIONAL’ AREA:

1. Williams (WA)

2. Naracoorte and Lucindale (SA)

3. Woodanilling (WA)

4. Isaac (QLD)

5. Robe (SA)

BEST OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE IN A ‘REMOTE’ AREA:

1. Kimba (SA)

2. Kent (WA)

3. Cleve (SA)

4. Lower Eyre Peninsula (SA)

5. Dumbleyung (WA)

BEST OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE IN AN A ‘VERY REMOTE’ AREA:

1. King Island (TAS)

2. Longreach (QLD)

3. Wudinna (SA)

4. Barcaldine (QLD)

5. Elliston (SA)

Data was taken from the most recent 2016 Census and other public sources to score each LGA out of 10 in nine categories: housing affordability, education, community, jobs, wealth, accessibility, work-life balance, safety and health. Each category draws on a number of factors for its score, and each LGA is also given an overall quality of life score, resulting in a searchable online map.

Originally published as Bond University’s Happiness Index reveals Australia’s happy hot spots