A newly release CoreLogic report comparing Australian suburbs by age demographic has shown that South Australia is the most popular region for retirees, with the highest proportion of residents aged 65 or over.

The state dominated the nation’s Top 50 regions that are most popular amongst retirees, with 13 council areas appearing on the report. Statistics for Victor Harbour showed 37.7% of residents being at retirement age, and is followed closely by other council regions in the state including Yorke Peninsula, Yankalilla, Tumby Bay, Alexandrina, Copper Coast, Orroroo-Carrieton, Peterborough, Kingston, Frankling Harbour, Mount Remarkable and Karoonda East Murray.

Head of research for CoreLogic Cameron Kusher, who compiled the report, said locations were likely to be linked to lifestyle preferences, with a large number of the top council areas located in regional coastal areas.

“This may be due to retirees moving to areas where housing is more affordable in order to free-up capital for them to enjoy their retirement; it could also be out of necessity due to the high cost of housing within most capital cities.”

Weighing in on the results was also John Mowling of LJ Hooker Victor Harbour, who said in the wake of the report that South Australia has long been a sought after destination for retiring families and downsizers.

“We always have steady inquiries from early retirees, downsizers, farmers and even interstate buyers who are originally from South Australia and returning, to be closer to their families.”

Real Estate Institute South Australia Chief Executive Officer, Greg Troughton, also said he believes South Australia’s ageing population is also a driving factor behind the report’s result.

“There is definitely great laid back living in South Australia and with places like Victor Harbor being so accessible to the metro area and all it provides, it does show that retirees are happy for the quiet life but have the infrastructure and support of the big city a stone’s throw away,” he said.