Bland

The community is noticeably older than the national figure, with 22.9% of people aged 65 and over. First Nations people make up 6.6% of the population, a figure that has risen since 2011 and remains well above the state average.

Born in Australia or arriving from the UK and Ireland, the population is far less diverse than the state average, with only 5.7% of people born overseas.

English is the primary language for almost everyone, as only 2.7% of residents use another language at home, which is far below the national figure.

Christianity remains the most common faith at 66%, while those with no religion make up 22%—a figure that rose 12 points since 2011 but is still far below the national average.

Schooling levels are much lower than most areas, with only 33.9% of people completing Year 12. However, the area has a high number of schools per 1,000 children.

Typical weekly household income is $1,326, which is well below the state average. While incomes have risen since 2011, the share of high-earners remains lower than in most other areas.

Long-term health conditions are a little more common here than across Australia, affecting 30.7% of people, though mental health conditions are slightly less frequent.

Volunteering is very common in Bland, with 24.1% of people pitching in—far above the national figure. Many residents also provide unpaid care for children or perform housework.

The First Nations community is relatively young, with a typical age of 22, and experiences a much lower unemployment rate than other similar areas.

Homes are often occupied by couples with children, though 31.4% of people live alone, which is well above the state average.

Housing is dominated by separate houses, with 47.1% owned outright. Rents and mortgage payments are far lower than the state average, and 80.7% of homes have three or more bedrooms.

Most people rely on cars, but the area has a higher rate of public transport use than most similar places. Only 4.2% of homes have no motor vehicle.

The population is relatively stable, as far fewer people have moved house in the last five years compared to the rest of Australia.

Agriculture, forestry, and mining are the biggest employers, and the area has a much lower unemployment rate than most other regions.

Bland is generally more advantaged than 60% of similar areas, though its population has shrunk by 1.6% since 2021.

The climate is characterised by average annual rainfall of 577mm and minimum temperatures that are much lower than in most other areas.

The area is generally safe, with recorded offence rates—particularly for theft and burglary—sitting lower than in most other areas.

Bland is mostly car-dependent, as the walkability score is far below the state average and few homes are within a short walk of groceries or health services.