Federal Electorate · Area profile
Mallee
83,413 km²
A population growth of 21% since 2011 has shaped the expanding community of Mallee. This region is noticeably older than the national average, with a typical resident aged 45 and many more seniors. It is a largely Australian-born area where the population is growing, yet the typical household income remains well below state and national figures. The community is defined by a strong connection to the land and a high rate of home ownership.
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The typical resident is 45, which is noticeably older than the national figure of 38. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 23.7% of the population, a figure that rose 6.8 points since 2011.
The area is far less diverse than the state, with only 10.9% of people born overseas. This is far below the Victorian average of 30.0%, and the proportion of overseas-born residents has fallen since 2011.
English is the main language for 83.9% of the community. Only 8.3% of people use another language at home, which is far below the national figure of 22.3%.
About 41.1% of residents reported having no religion, a figure that rose 13 points since 2011. This is slightly above the national average of 38.9%.
Education levels are much lower than most areas, with only 37.9% of residents completing Year 12. This is far below the state average of 61.8%.
Incomes are well below the national figure, with a typical household earning $1,220 a week. Only 10.6% of households earn $3,000 or more per week, which is among the lowest for its level.
Health challenges are more common here, as 33.6% of people have a long-term health condition. This is well above the national figure of 27.7%.
Volunteering is very common, with 19.5% of people helping out, well above the national average of 14.1%. Unpaid care for others is also much higher than in most areas.
Living alone is very common, with 31.8% of people in single-person homes, which is well above the national average. The typical home is smaller, with 2.3 people per household.
Housing is dominated by separate houses, making up 89.9% of all homes. Home ownership is very high, with 42.5% of homes owned outright, far above the national figure of 31.0%.
Most people rely on cars, as only 0.5% of the population commute by public transport. Working from home is less common here than in the rest of the state.
The community is relatively stable, as the proportion of people who moved in the last five years is among the lowest for its level. However, recent arrivals from overseas have risen 13 points since 2011.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing is a major employer for 16.8% of the workforce. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is much lower than most similar areas.
The area is somewhat walkable, though it scores well below the state average. Most residents live far from health services and groceries, with only 39.6% and 54.6% within a 15-minute walk respectively.