Capital cities across the nation are losing young workers in record numbers, as those aged between 24 and 39 make the move to rural communities.

Regional Australia Institute CEO, Liz Ritchie, says that COVID-19 has changed the way we work and socialise, opening up opportunities for growth in regional areas.

"From 2011 to 2016 our two biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, lost more residents to regions than they gained," Ms Ritchie said.

"And that was well before COVID-19, over the last few months we've all had to change how we work, and this has allowed staff and employers to see that location is no longer a barrier for where we choose to work."

The report from Regional Australia Institute has highlighted that jobs once only attainable in capital cities can now be done from anywhere.

This fact has led REI to predict growth in regional Australia will be even more pronounced post-coronavirus, as young workers discover the possibilities of working remotely.

Young couple Mitchell Phelps and Lauren Ferrington made the switch from Gosford to Griffith late last year, falling in love with the Riverina in the process.

"I love the community here, everyone is just so connected and understanding," Ms Ferrington said.

"Moving here from the coast, it was nice to develop that sense of community, as well as the added benefits of cheaper living and escaping the hustle-and-bustle."

29-year-old Jessica Tully also made the move to Griffith, stating she has loved every minute of it and wouldn't change a thing.

"I made the move here from Perth, this place is just so warm and cosy," Ms Tully said.

"You have all the amenities you need here, and if you can't find anything it's only an hour or two away, easy-peasy."

Between 2011 and 2016, more than 1.2 million people either moved to regional Australia or moved around regional Australia from one location to another.

Over the past five years, there has been a net flow of 65,000 people from capital cities to regional areas.

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