KPMG’s third edition of the Enterprising Cities report explores recent economic growth trends across 12 of Australia’s most rapidly evolving cities.
Despite recent economic headwinds, these Enterprising Cities show remarkable resilience, supported by robust local communities and distinct physical and natural strengths. Together, they account for around one-third of Australia’s economic output, underscoring their critical role in national growth and business performance.
With nearly half of Australia’s data centres now located in the Enterprising Cities, these regions are poised for further growth, but to do so, they must navigate challenges including infrastructure readiness, housing capacity and global cost pressures.
For leaders making decisions about growth, investment, workforce, and strategy, the Enterprising Cities report provides practical insight into where Australia’s next phase of economic growth is taking shape.
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Enterprising Cities 2026
Find out how these enterprising cities are shaping Australia's future growth
Where are Australia's Enterprising Cities?
Enterprising cities are located throughout Australia. Hover over an Enterprising City on the map to find out key demographic information for each location.
How Enterprising Cities are performing
What are the risks and opportunities for businesses?
How KPMG supports growth in regional markets
Regional cities are driving Australia’s next phase of growth, but making confident decisions in a complex economic environment requires leaders to understand local constraints as much as economic opportunity. We turn strategy into action by helping councils and mid-market organisations do exactly that.
KPMG brings together deep regional and local government experience with clear, data-led insight and practical solutions tailored to scale and community context. We help organisations see what will enable or constrain growth, from infrastructure, housing and skills to funding, governance and delivery capacity.
Our connected approach provides a reliable, independent perspective that helps enterprising cities deliver sustainable, future-ready growth across regional markets.
KPMG Mid-Market & Private: Right sized. Future ready.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Enterprising Cities are chosen for the important contributions they make to Australia’s economy. Their selection is based on factors such as economic outcomes, population increases, and employment levels, as well as their capacity to attract residents, businesses, and investment. Consideration is also given to their economic resilience and the breadth of industry sectors operating within each city.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a notable shift in Australia’s population growth, steering it away from major capital cities towards smaller cities. This migration has revitalised regional economies, impacting local and residential housing and job markets.
Another commonalilty is their durability and adaptability in the face of recent economic challenges. Despite economic headwinds, these cities have remained resilient.
Enterprising Cities employ over one one-third of all Australians. They have experienced robust growth over the past five years and are increasingly seen as desirable destinations, attracting people and businesses from larger metropolitan areas and drawing interest from international companies looking to establish a presence and invest in these thriving urban centres.
Enterprising Cities house almost 10.1 million people (36% of Australia’s population) and they have 5.3 million workers (36% of Australian workers). Their population grew by 1.8% during 2025 compared with 1.5% for the rest of Australia.
The number of workers in Enterprising Cities increased by 2.2% during 2025 compared to 1.6% for the rest of Australia. Overall, the employment market in the Enterprising Cities shows strong growth and broader business demand. However, it also highlights worker shortages, which may be impacting business operations and putting pressure on margins.
Over the next five years, Enterprising Cities are projected to create thousands of new jobs, with specific growth in industries such as healthcare, professional services, and construction.