3370, VIC

The area is far older than the national figure, with 27.3% of people aged 65 and over. This trend has strengthened since 2011, while the proportion of children under 15 has fallen to 13.9%, well below the Victorian average.

Most residents were born in Australia, and those born overseas make up 13.7% of the population, which is far below the state and national figures. English and Australian are the most common ancestries.

English is the primary language for 90.6% of the community. Only 3.2% of people use another language at home, a figure far below the national average.

A majority of residents report no religion, at 52.1%, which is far above the national figure. This has been a significant trend, with the number rising by 25 points since 2011.

The proportion of adults with a bachelor degree or higher is 17.7%, which is well below the national average. Year 12 completion has risen to 43.7%, though this remains far below the Victorian figure.

Typical incomes are much lower than in most areas, with a typical weekly household income of $1,048. Only 6.8% of households earn $3,000 or more per week, far below the national average.

Health challenges are common here, with 41.8% of people living with a long-term health condition, among the highest across similar areas. Mental health conditions are also well above the national figure at 14.2%.

Unpaid care is a prominent feature of life here, with 16.6% of people providing such support. While volunteering is well above the national average at 19.2%, this has fallen since 2011.

Many people live alone, accounting for 33.8% of households, which is well above the national figure. This helps explain why the average household size of 2.2 people is much lower than in most areas.

Housing is dominated by detached houses, which make up 95.1% of dwellings. A high 48.1% of homes are owned outright, far above the national figure, and typical weekly rents are far below the state average at $220.

The area is heavily car-dependent, with 0% of people commuting by public transport and a very long drive time to the city. Only 3.2% of homes have no motor vehicle.

The population is relatively stable, with 31.4% of people moving in the last five years, well below the national average. Recent arrivals from overseas are also very low at 1.9%.

Fewer people here are working or looking for work compared to the state, at 47.1%. The unemployment rate of 7.5% is a little above the national figure.

The area scores low on overall advantage, ranking as smaller than about 80% of similar areas. This is consistent with the lower typical incomes and lower levels of university qualifications.

Most residents are car-dependent, with a walkability score of 3.5. Only 44.9% of homes have a 15-minute-city walkshed, far below the Victorian average of 74.3%.