Queensland was recorded as the most popular destination for Australians moving from other states, according to the new population figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). 

In the year to end of March Quarter 2018, Queensland recorded a net interstate migration gain of 24,000 people, increasing its total population to 5 million. 

Victoria followed with a net gain of 15,100 people, and a total of 6.4 million people. 

“The most common move between states was from New South Wales to Queensland with 52,000 people making the move north. The next most common move was in the opposite direction with 36,900 people moving from Queensland to New South Wales,” ABS Demography Director Anthony Grubb said. 

The net interstate migration figure dropped for New South Wales, with 20,500 people leaving the state at the end of March Quarter 2018. 

However, New South Wales still recorded the highest state population, with approximately 8 million people. 

“During the previous four years, Queensland came second to Victoria in terms of net interstate movement, so these states have swapped,” ABS Demography Director Anthony Grubb said. “Before that, Queensland was the biggest gainer for 20 years, expecting a brief period in 2011 when Western Australia overtook it.” 

Overall, Australia’s population increased by 380,700 people at the end of March Quarter 2018 with net overseas migration contributing 62 per cent, equalling 236,800 people. This was a decrease from the year ending March 2017, which recorded over 259,600 arrivals.