2406 crosses NSW/QLD

The area is older than the national average, with a typical resident aged 41. While the population has shrank by about 33 people since 2011, the proportion of seniors has risen to 15.5%.

Most residents were born in Australia (78.2%), and the area has a much lower proportion of overseas-born people than most other regions. However, recent arrivals from overseas have increased to 29.5%.

English is the dominant language for 80.1% of the community. Only 4% of people use another language at home, and no one reported speaking little or no English.

Christianity is the most common faith at 61.7%. Those reporting no religion make up 21.7%, a figure that is far below the national average but has risen 11 points since 2011.

Education levels are lower than the state average, with only 12.3% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Qualifications are often practical, with 28% of residents holding a Certificate III or IV.

Typical household income is $1,204 a week, which is well below the national figure. While personal incomes have risen since 2011, 23.3% of households still earn under $650 weekly.

About 27.9% of people have a long-term health condition, which is about the same as the national average. Mental health conditions are reported by 6.5%, which is much lower than in most other areas.

The area has a strong spirit of service, with 20.6% of people volunteering, well above the national figure of 14.1%. Conversely, fewer people provide unpaid care or housework compared to other regions.

Homes here are smaller than usual, with just 2.2 people per dwelling. This is consistent with a high number of people living alone (37.2%) and a high rate of one-parent families at 21.1%.

Separate houses dominate the landscape, making up 91% of homes. Rent is very affordable at a typical $170 a week, and mortgage payments are far below the national average.

The area is heavily reliant on cars, as there are no public transport stops or routes. About 60.9% of workers drive to their jobs, and 8.2% of homes have no motor vehicle.

While 33% of the population moved in the last five years, the most striking trend is that nearly 30% of residents are recent arrivals from overseas.

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are the primary industries, employing 42.3% of the workforce. Full-time employment is much higher here than in most areas, at 67.8%.

The area faces significant challenges, with an overall advantage score of 937, which is lower than about 72% of other areas. It ranks particularly low for access to money and resources.

Most residents are car-dependent, with a walkability score of 3.6. While health services are relatively accessible on foot, there is no public transport within a 10-minute walk of any home.