Federal Electorate · Area profile
Shortland
204 km²
A markedly older population defines Shortland, where the typical resident is 43 and seniors over 65 make up 22.5% of the community. This is a stable, largely Australian-born area with a strong preference for detached housing and home ownership. Its character is shaped by a high proportion of retirees and families, alongside a growing number of people who identify as having no religion. The neighborhood feels settled and residential, with a population that has grown by 13% since 2011.
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Shortland is noticeably older than the state and national averages, with a senior population that has risen to 22.5%. There is also a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presence at 5.3%, which is much higher than most similar areas.
The community is overwhelmingly Australian-born, with only 10.5% of people born overseas. This is far below the national figure and represents a decline from 2011.
English is the dominant language here, with 91.2% of residents using it at home. Very few people speak little or no English, at just 0.5%, which is well below the state average.
A large number of residents report no religion, accounting for 42.3% of the population. This figure is well above the national average and has risen sharply by 23 percentage points since 2011.
Education levels are lower than in most areas, with only 44.4% of residents completing Year 12. Those with a bachelor degree or higher make up 18.5%, which is well below the state average.
Typical weekly household income is $1,535, which is a little below the state and national figures. However, the number of households earning $3,000 or more per week has risen significantly since 2011.
Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 35.6% of people living with a long-term health condition. Those needing help with daily activities make up 7.0% of the population.
The area has a high rate of unpaid care, with 13.8% of people providing support to others. However, the proportion of people who volunteer has fallen by 5.1 percentage points since 2011.
Family structures are diverse, with 16.4% of households being one-parent families, which is much higher than most similar areas. About 26.3% of residents live alone.
Detached houses are very common, making up 84.7% of all dwellings. Home ownership is strong, with 39.2% of homes owned outright, far above the national figure.
Most people rely on cars, though 21.0% of the workforce now works from home. While public transport stops are plentiful, only 0.6% of people use them for their daily commute.
The population is relatively settled, with 34.6% moving in the last five years, which is well below the state and national averages. Recent overseas arrivals are also much lower than typical.
Working or looking for work is less common here than in other areas, at 57.4%. The local workforce is largely employed in health care and social assistance, as well as construction.
While most homes are within a short walk of a park or public transport, the area is poorly served by other amenities. Only 46.5% of residents can walk to groceries within 15 minutes.