Council (LGA) · Area profile
Clare and Gilbert Valleys
1,892 km²
Noticeably older than most similar areas, Clare and Gilbert Valleys is a rural community where the typical resident is 48. It is a place of stability and ownership, with far more people owning their homes outright and fewer renters than the state average. The area is defined by a strong spirit of service and a high proportion of retirees, creating a relaxed pace of life in a landscape dominated by detached houses.
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The population is ageing rapidly, with the typical age rising by 5 years since 2011 to 48. Seniors aged 65 and over now make up 25.7% of the community, a figure well above the national average.
The area is overwhelmingly Australian-born, with 83.4% born here and only 10.1% born overseas, which is far below the national figure.
English is the primary language for almost everyone, with only 2.8% of people using another language at home, far lower than the state and national averages.
A growing number of residents report no religion, now at 43.6%, though Christianity remains the most common affiliation at 46.5%.
The community is relatively well-qualified, with 16.2% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher, which is higher than most similar areas.
Typical weekly household income is $1,311, which is well below the national figure of $1,746. However, the number of households earning $3,000 or more a week rose by 8.1 points since 2011.
Long-term health conditions are more common here than in most areas, affecting 33.9% of people, with arthritis and mental health being the most frequent reports.
The area has a very high rate of volunteering at 29.5%, far above the national figure, and a larger share of residents have served in the Defence Force.
First Nations people make up 2.0% of the population, with an unemployment rate of 8.5% that is well below the national average.
Most households consist of couples, and about 30.1% of people live alone, which is well above the national average.
The housing landscape is dominated by detached houses, which make up 94.3% of homes. Home ownership is strong, with 42.0% of homes owned outright, far above the national figure.
Cars are essential here, as only 0.4% of people commute by public transport and the drive to the city takes a long 109 minutes.
The community is stable, with 32.2% of people moving in the last five years, which is well below the national figure.
The local economy relies on a mix of agriculture, health, and manufacturing, with a very low unemployment rate of 3.2%.
The area scores well on overall advantage compared to similar regions, though population growth has been much lower than the state average.
The climate is cooler than the state average, with an average maximum temperature of 22.3 degrees and annual rainfall of 458mm.
The area is mostly car-dependent, with only 28.6% of homes within a 15-minute walk of a 'city' hub, far below the state average.