Bushfire-devastated communities run the risk of losing residents to the capital cities, with economists warning that rebuilding efforts may not be enough to stop an exodus from fire-affected towns.

AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver said the bushfires had added to struggles already facing regional areas, including the demise of manufacturing and the extended drought, leaving at risk inland areas where entire industries have been devastated.

The drought and bushfire season is putting pressure on the financial comfort of those in the regions. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

"Some communities will rebuild in a way which reduces risk of getting burnt again in a world where the climate is getting worse, but I think for some of these communities they won’t have underlying resilience," Dr Oliver said.

"A lot of people are probably thinking about moving [from the regions] to the cities.