Spatial and socioeconomic inequities in liveability in Australia'S 21 largest cities: Does city size matter?

Spatial and area-level socioeconomic variation in urban liveability (access to social infrastructure, public transport, open space, healthy food choices, local employment, street connectivity, dwelling density, and housing affordability) was examined and mapped across 39,967 residential statistical areas in Australia's metropolitan (n = 7) and largest regional cities (n = 14). Urban liveability varied spatially, with inner-city areas more liveable than outer suburbs. Disadvantaged areas in larger metropolitan cities were less liveable than advantaged areas, but this pattern was reversed in smaller cities. Local data could inform policies to redress inequities, including those designed to avoid disadvantage being suburbanised as cities grow and gentrify.

Automated summary

Spatial and area-level socioeconomic differences in urban liveability were examined in Australia's metropolitan and largest regional cities. Inner-city areas were found to be more liveable than outer suburbs. Disadvantaged areas in larger cities had lower liveability, but this pattern was reversed in smaller cities. Local data could be used to inform policies addressing these inequities.