Federal Electorate · Area profile
New England
66,294 km²
A high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, making up 10.3% of the population, sets New England apart from most other areas. This is a notably older community where the typical resident is 42, and many are now seniors. The area has grown by 15% since 2011, though it remains a place of modest incomes and a strong connection to the land. It is defined by a rural character, with an overwhelming majority of people living in detached houses.
Families are well catered for: 121 schools serve New England.
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The population is noticeably older than the national figure, with 21.9% being seniors. This shift is part of a broader trend, as the typical resident is now five years older than in 2011.
Born overseas, only 9.1% of residents are from another country, which is far below the national figure. Most residents identify as Australian or English.
English is the dominant language here, with only 5.5% of people using another language at home. This is much lower than most areas and has fallen sharply since 2011.
While 31.6% of people report no religion, this is still well below the national figure. Over half the community identifies as Christian.
Educational attainment is far below the state average, with only 15.7% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion has also fallen significantly since 2011 to 41.5%.
Typical weekly household income is $1,302, which is well below the national figure of $1,746. Only 13.1% of households earn $3,000 or more a week, a figure that has fallen since 2011.
Long-term health conditions are much more common here than in most areas, affecting 32.5% of people. This is consistent with the older population, as 6.5% of residents need help with daily activities.
Volunteerism is well above the national figure, with 17.8% of people pitching in. Unpaid care for others is also more common here than in most areas.
Living alone is much more common than usual, with 30.1% of people in single-person homes. One-parent families are also more frequent here than in most areas.
Detached houses dominate the landscape at 89.4%, and 37.8% of homes are owned outright. Typical rents and mortgage payments are well below state and national figures.
Cars are essential here, as only 0.3% of people use public transport to commute. Most homes have at least one vehicle, and the walk to the nearest stop is much longer than in most areas.
Recent arrivals from overseas have increased significantly since 2011, with 26.4% of the population arriving from abroad in the last five years.
Full-time employment is a little above the national figure at 61.0%. Many people work in health, agriculture, or education.
The area is only somewhat walkable, with a score of 4.0. Access to groceries and health services within a 15-minute walk is far below the state average.