Council (LGA) · Area profile
Greater Hume Shire
5,749 km²
A far lower proportion of people are born overseas in Greater Hume Shire compared to the state average. This rural community has grown by 14% since 2011 and is noticeably older than the national average, with the typical resident aged 44. It is a place of large, detached family homes where a significant number of people are seniors. The area maintains a strong connection to the land, with agriculture as a major employer and a population that is far more likely to volunteer than those in other parts of the country.
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The area is noticeably older than the rest of Australia, with 22% of residents aged 65 or over. At the same time, children under 15 make up 20.2% of the population, which is a little above the national figure.
Very few residents were born overseas, at just 6.1%, which is far below the New South Wales average of 29.3%. Most people identify as Australian, English, or Irish.
English is the primary language for the vast majority, and the 2.1% who use another language at home is far below the state and national figures.
Christianity remains the most common faith at 58.1%. Those reporting no religion make up 31.1%, a figure that has risen 17 points since 2011.
Education levels are lower than the national average, with only 38.4% of residents completing Year 12. However, there are many schools for the number of children, and those with degrees often work in engineering or management.
Typical weekly household income is $1,420, which is well below the New South Wales figure of $1,829. The number of households earning over $3,000 a week has risen 11 points since 2011.
Long-term health conditions are more common here than in most areas, affecting 31.4% of people. Arthritis and asthma are the most reported conditions.
Volunteering is much higher than in most areas, though it fell from 32.7% in 2011 to 24.0% in 2021. There is also a higher rate of unpaid care and housework compared to the state average.
First Nations people in the area are noticeably younger than those in the state, with a typical age of 19. The unemployment rate for this group is 6.9%, which is well below the national figure.
Homes tend to be larger than average, with 2.5 people per household. Most are couples with children or couples without children.
Detached houses make up 97.3% of all dwellings, far above the state average. Home ownership is also high, with 43% of homes owned outright.
The community is heavily reliant on cars, as only 0.2% of people commute via public transport. Very few homes lack a motor vehicle, and 62.3% of workers drive to their jobs.
Residents are less likely to have moved recently than those in other areas, with 32% moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas have fallen since 2011.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing is the largest industry, employing 20.7% of the workforce. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is much lower than most other areas.
The area is ranked as having a high level of access to money and resources compared to similar regions. Population growth since 2021 has been 5.7%.
The area receives more rainfall than the state average, with 773mm annually. Temperatures are generally lower, with an average minimum of 8.6 degrees.
Recorded offences are much lower than in most areas, and the overall crime rate has fallen by 7.8% over the last five years.
The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score far below the state average. Only 21% of homes are within a 10-minute walk of public transport.