3042, VIC

The population is slightly older than the state and national figures, with a typical resident aged 40. It is a growing area that has added about 2,391 people since 2011, and nearly one in five residents is a senior aged 65 or over.

European heritage is very strong here, with Italian and English ancestries following Australian as the most common. While 24.4% of people were born overseas—a figure much higher than most similar areas—this is actually well below the Victorian average.

Multiculturalism is evident, as 25.3% of residents use a language other than English at home, which is well above the national figure. Italian is the most common non-English language, though the proportion of people speaking another language has fallen since 2011.

Religious faith remains common here, with 62.9% of people identifying as Christian. The proportion of people reporting no religion is far below the state and national figures, though this group has grown by 12 points since 2011.

This is a highly qualified community where 25.9% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher, a figure that has risen sharply since 2011. Year 12 completion is also much higher than in most similar areas.

Earnings are notably high, with the typical weekly family income of $2,347 sitting above the national figure. The number of households earning $3,000 or more a week has seen a significant increase of 17 points since 2011.

A higher proportion of residents need help with daily activities compared to most similar areas. While long-term health conditions are around the middle for its level, those with mental health conditions are fewer than in the state or nation.

Unpaid care is a common feature of life here, with 15.3% of people providing such support, which is well above the national figure. However, the volunteering rate is among the lowest for its level and has fallen since 2011.

The area is mostly made up of couples with children, though the number of people living alone has risen to 27.7%. One-parent families are also more common here than in most similar areas.

Most residents live in three-bedroom homes or larger, and 39.4% own their home outright, which is well above the national figure. However, typical weekly rents and mortgage payments are both much higher than in most similar areas.

The area is exceptionally well-served by public transport and is only 15 minutes from the city. A striking 27.7% of the workforce now works from home, a massive increase from 2.3% in 2011.

Migration is steady, with 35.4% of residents having moved in the last five years. The number of recent overseas arrivals has remained stable at around 8.3%.

Employment is strong, with more adults working or looking for work than in most similar areas. Professionals, clerical staff and managers make up the bulk of the workforce, with construction as a leading industry.

The community ranks very highly for overall advantage, sitting in the top 20% of similar areas. This is underpinned by a particularly high standing in education and job skills.

The area is very safe, with only 6 recorded offences per 100,000 people, which is much lower than most areas.

Postcode 3042 is very walkable, with 97.6% of homes having a 15-minute-city walkshed. Almost every resident can walk to a park or public transport stop within 15 minutes.