All Local Government Areas (LGA’s) in the Western Plains had reductions in their population numbers, newly released regional population data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows.

The Western Plains stands in contrast to regional Australia overall, which gained 102,700 new residents in the 2021-22 period.

While migration from the cities caused population upsurges in many regional areas, these tend to be coastal locations rather than west or inland.

“Combined, Australia’s capital cities grew at the same rate as regional Australia, with both populations increasing by 1.2 per cent over the year,” said Beidar Cho, ABS head of demography.

Overseas migration and strong birth rates boosted city numbers.

“Australia's combined capital city population grew in 2021-22, after an unprecedented decline in 2020-21," Ms Cho said.

Australians departed capital cities for 'the country' in record numbers but it seems most still can't envision a life in a small inland community.

Overall the electorate of Barwon lost an estimated 616 people in the year after COVID - another marked point in a consistent and steady drop in population over the last two decades.

In 2001 the seat of Barwon had 91308 people and has dropped every ABS Count since.

In 2010 the population stood at just over 83,000, dropping down 78,609. Today the electorate’s population stands at 74402.

Over the 2021-22 financial year, Walgett shire saw 77 fewer residents, Bourke lost 67 people and Brewarrina 50.

Cobar gained 41 new arrivals - ten of whom were from overseas - although this was not enough to make up for the 87 people who left.

Coonamble’s and Gilgandra’s populations dropped by 11 and 19 people, respectively.

Warren (-9), Warrumbungle (-10), Bogan (-12) and Lachlan (-18) shires also had slight declines in their population.

A home for sale in Cobar. SOURCE: Domain

In contrast to the smaller towns, inland cities continue to grow.

The electorate of Dubbo stands at 84,868 population - 12,000 more than in 2001.

The influx of 325 people was largely driven by 213 arrivals from overseas.

Despite being the nearest western neighbour, the LGA of Narromine has dropped in population by some 37.

Brisbane and Perth were the only capital cities that saw an increase in internal migration - tens of thousands of people left Sydney and Melbourne for the regions.

Still, the populations of those capitals still increased, thanks to overseas migration.

Brisbane had the largest capital city population growth, adding 59,200 new people.