About the index

Background and objectives

In 2010 the Property Council of Australia commissioned Auspoll to better understand the attitudes of Australians towards the cities in which they live.

The Property Council has now published the second edition of the My City - The People's Verdict survey.

The survey measures the "liveability" of Australia's capital cities.

Methodology - survey approach

These results are based on a quantitative on-line survey of Australians who live in capital cities, and Newcastle and Wollongong. The survey was conducted between December 1 and 9, 2011. It was completed by 5,231 Australians overall.

The following table outlines the sample size in each city. The sample for each city was drawn to be representative of the age and gender distribution of each city's population as defined in the 2006 census.

Participants were recruited from a professional market and social research panel and they received a small incentive for their participation.

Attributes comprising the Australian Cities Liveability Index

The following outlines the 17 attributes that the liveability Index uses to define whether a city is a good place in which to live.

Respondents were asked to rank the relative importance of each attribute and were also asked whether they agree or disagree that their city exhibits each attribute.

1. The look and design of the city (the buildings, streetscapes and cityscape) is attractive
2. The city is clean, well maintained and unpolluted
3. There is a wide range of recreational outdoor environments (like parks and playgrounds, cycle paths, beaches, countryside, etc)
4. There is a wide range of cultural entertainment options (like cafes, restaurants, markets, theatres, nightspots and sporting events)
5. There is a good public transport service
6. There is a good road network and minimal traffic congestion
7. It is a safe place for people and their property
8. The natural environment is attractive
9. There are good approaches to environmental sustainability and climate change
10. There are good healthcare services
11. There are good schools and other educational facilities
12. There is a good range of quality affordable housing
13. There is a good balance of different housing types (e.g. houses or units)
14. There are good employment and economic opportunities
15. It is an affordable place to have a good standard of living
16. The climate is good
17. There is a diverse range of people who get along well