2546, NSW

Seniors make up 38% of the population, which is far above the national figure of 17.2%. In contrast, children under 15 make up only 12.6%, well below the state average. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are a little more common here at 5.1% compared to 3.4% in New South Wales.

Most residents were born in Australia, with 77.1% of the population born here. This means the proportion of people born overseas is far below the national average, and the most common ancestries are English and Australian.

English is the primary language for 88.7% of the community. Only 3.8% of people use another language at home, which is far below the New South Wales figure of 26.6%.

A large portion of the community—47.3%—report having no religion, a figure well above the national average. This has become more common over time, rising by 22 points since 2011.

While 18.5% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher, this is well below the state average. However, the number of people who finished Year 12 has risen by 11 points since 2011 to reach 44.2%.

Typical incomes are much lower than in most other areas, with a typical household earning $1,019 a week compared to the national figure of $1,746. Only 7.6% of households earn $3,000 or more per week, which is far below the state average.

Health challenges are common here, as 37.9% of people have a long-term health condition, which is far above the national average. Arthritis is the most frequent condition, and 8.2% of residents need help with daily activities.

Volunteering is more common here than elsewhere, with 21.1% of people helping out. The area also has a higher rate of unpaid carers and a much higher proportion of former Defence Force members than most areas.

Homes are smaller than usual, with only 2.1 people per home. Many residents live alone—33.4% of households consist of one person—which is well above the national figure.

Home ownership is very high, with 56.4% of homes owned outright, far above the national average of 31%. Detached houses are the norm for 83.3% of residents, and typical weekly rents are well below state and national figures at $290.

The area is heavily dependent on cars, as only 0.2% of people commute by public transport. However, there are more public transport stops per 1,000 people than in most similar areas.

About 35% of the population moved house in the last five years, which is well below the national figure. Recent arrivals from overseas are also far less common here than across Australia.

The workforce is much smaller than in most areas, with only 41.1% of adults working or looking for work. Full-time employment is also far below the state average at 45.7%.

The area is ranked lower than about 60% of similar areas for overall advantage and access to money and resources. It sits around the middle for education and job skills.

The community is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score well below the state average. Many homes are far from schools and health services, though 75.3% are within a 15-minute walk of a park.