More than 27,000 Australians have had their say in the 2025 Australian Liveability Census – the largest and most inclusive place-based social research project in the country's history.

Conducted by Place Score, this year's landmark data reveals a nation under pressure. Liveability, once held steady by strong social fabric and quality infrastructure, is at risk of being eroded further by poor neighbourhood design, social fragmentation and growing mental health concerns, especially among young people and older Australians.

“We are seeing a profound shift. Communities are telling us that inclusion, connection, and a sense of belonging are just as critical to liveability as housing or transport,” said Place Score CEO and founder Kylie Legge.

Residents from across Australia's 15,000+ neighbourhoods, spanning major cities, regional centres and remote rural areas, shared what matters most in the places they call home. Their responses need to be considered when shaping the future of local and national policy.

Key findings from the 2025 State of Place Report include:

• National liveability score: PX66/100 – a 1% decline from 2023, equal to pre-COVID levels in 2019.
• All states saw declines in community sentiment, with Victoria and South Australia dropping 4% since 2023.
• Young Australians are hurting: Only 58% of under 25s rate their mental health as Good or better (down 3%), and liveability scores fell 4% for this age group.
• Older Australians (65+) and women also reported significant drops in liveability sentiment, both down 3%.
• High-density neighbourhoods outperformed low-density ones, with liveability rated 5% higher in more urbanised settings.
• 52% of Metro Councils have liveability scores above the National Benchmark of 66, and only 39% of Regionals.

[Note PX = place experience or liveability score]

Community expectations now go beyond basic infrastructure. While access to essential services remains important, what truly shapes the experience of liveability is how these elements come together in place - integrating environment, economy, and, most importantly, opportunities for social and cultural connection.

In 2025, Australians envision an ideal neighbourhood as green, safe, and well maintained, with access to public and active transport, shops and local amenities. Data shows that 19% more people value walking and cycling networks over private vehicle infrastructure.

In this year's Liveability Census the two neighbourhood attributes contributing most strongly to local liveability were: Welcoming to all people and There are people like me. These measures of social connection have been consistent positive contributors to liveability since 2021.

Their continued significance underscores the need for local planning and development to invest not only in physical infrastructure but also in the soft infrastructure that enables community identity, inclusion, and belonging.

As local, state and national governments work on how to deliver the National Urban Policy, Housing and Homelessness Plan, and state wellbeing initiatives, the 2025 Australian Liveability Census and accompanying State of Place Report offers the essential evidence base for effective, inclusive decision-making that leads to better outcomes for all Australians, no matter where they live

"This is the most comprehensive liveability data in Australia. It's time we listen to communities, especially young people and underrepresented voices, to build places that truly support wellbeing and opportunity for all,” said Legge.

Australia's most liveable LGAs

[Note ^ 2021 data not available for this LGA]

 “We're thrilled Lane Cove has been named Australia's most liveable community in the 2025 Liveability Census. With residents' feedback, we've consistently ranked among the best – equal first in 2021, second nationally in 2023, and now first again in 2025. This recognition reflects what our community values most – green, safe and welcoming neighbourhoods, vibrant village life, and strong community connections. We're so proud of this achievement, and of our thriving community, but even more committed to protecting what we love and shaping our shared future together.”

Cr Merri Southwood Mayor of Lane Cove

ENDS

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Under embargo until October 9, 2025 at 6AM AEDT

About Place Score

Place Score measures community sentiment to guide government decision making  and reporting in place investment and service delivery. We ask local people about the places they know best, to help governments and developers prioritise community benefits in their planning decisions.

Place Score is a groundbreaking community engagement company – one of the new generation of GovTech businesses leading the way towards more efficient and effective policy, strategy, investment and reporting.

Since 2019, more than 116,000 Australians have shared their views through Place Score research projects, creating the nation's largest social dataset on liveability. This unparalleled resource enables benchmarking, longitudinal tracking, and evidence-based reporting at both local and national levels. By transforming engagement into a valuable organisational asset, Place Score empowers governments and organisations to deliver more inclusive, resilient, and people-focused outcomes.

About the Australian Liveability Census

The Liveability Census asks three important questions:

• What is important to you in your ideal neighbourhood?
• How is your current neighbourhood performing for you?
• What are your ideas to make your neighbourhood more liveable?

Over 50,000 data sets were collected across the first two parts of the Liveability Census and another 20,000 ideas for neighbourhood improvements captured. Over 1.25 million individual community ratings were collected as part of the 2025 Australian Liveability Census allowing Place Score to calculate liveability scores, or 'Place Experience' (PX) scores, between 1-100 for every LGA in Australia, as well as the attributes that contribute most positively or negatively to their result.