Horsham

The area is noticeably older than the national figure, with 21.3% of people aged 65 and over, a figure that has risen since 2011. Around 18.3% of the population are children under 15, which is about the same as the state and national averages.

Horsham is far less diverse than the state or nation, with only 7.1% of people born overseas. Most residents claim Australian or English ancestry, though the proportion of overseas-born residents has risen slightly since 2011.

English is the primary language for the vast majority, and only 4.7% of people use another language at home. This is far below the national figure, and very few residents speak little or no English.

People with no religion now make up 42.7% of the community, a significant rise of 22 points since 2011. This is well above the national and state figures, although Christianity remains the most common affiliation at 48.4%.

The area has seen a rise in qualifications, with 42.5% of residents completing Year 12 and 14.8% holding a bachelor degree or higher. Both figures are far below the state and national averages.

Typical household income is $1,381 a week, which is well below the national figure of $1,746. However, there has been a steady increase in earnings since 2011, particularly among those earning over $3,000 a week.

Health challenges are more common here than in most similar areas, with 33.1% of people reporting a long-term health condition. Mental health and arthritis are the most frequent long-term issues reported.

Volunteerism is much higher than the state average, with 22.6% of residents volunteering. There is also a strong presence of unpaid carers, with 13.7% of people providing care, which is higher than most areas.

First Nations people in the area are noticeably younger than the state average, with a typical age of 21. While personal incomes are a little above the national figure, the unemployment rate is higher at 14.3%.

Homes often house just one person, with 31.6% of residents living alone, which is well above the national figure. One-parent families are also more common here than in most similar areas.

The landscape is dominated by separate houses, which make up 90.9% of dwellings. Rent is well below the national average at $240 a week, and 39.4% of homes are owned outright.

Car use is essential, as only 0.2% of people commute by public transport. Most homes have at least one vehicle, and 37.2% have two or more.

About 34.9% of residents moved in the last five years, which is well below the national figure. Recent overseas arrivals are much more common here than in most similar areas.

The local job market is strong with a very low unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is well below the state average. Health care and social assistance is the most common industry for workers.

The area has an overall advantage score of 6, placing it above about 60% of similar areas. However, recent population growth has been much lower than the state average.

The climate is slightly drier than the Victorian average, with annual rainfall of 463mm. Minimum temperatures are also a little lower than the state figure.

Property damage and sexual offences are much higher than in most similar areas. The crime rate has risen by 19.2% over the last five years, though motor vehicle theft is among the lowest for this level.

The area is only somewhat walkable, as many homes are far from groceries and health services. While there are many parks within walking distance, the overall walkability score is well below the state average.