3531, VIC

The population is far older than the national figure, and while children under 15 make up a higher proportion than usual at 19.6%, the total number of residents has fallen significantly. There is a notably high proportion of people in de facto relationships, which rose to 15.2% since 2011.

This is a very traditional community with only 1.5% of people born overseas, a figure far below the national average. Most residents claim Australian, English, Scottish, or Irish ancestry.

English is the only language spoken at home for 97.9% of residents, and there are no recorded residents who speak little or no English, which is well below the national figure.

A large number of residents report having no religion at 44.3%, which is well above the national figure and has risen sharply by 29 points since 2011.

Educational qualifications are much lower than in most areas, with only 11.3% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Many residents hold a Certificate III or IV, and there are no schools within 3 km.

Incomes are much lower than the national figure, with a typical family earning $1,437 a week. Only 3.7% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly, which is far below the state average.

The area has a high need for support, with 9.3% of people requiring help with daily activities, a figure well above the national average. Long-term health conditions are more common here than in the rest of the state.

Local residents are far more likely to volunteer (30.8%) and provide unpaid care (17.6%) than people in most other areas. This high level of community support is seen alongside a high rate of unpaid housework.

Families with children are common, making up 63.3% of households. About 28% of people live alone, and the typical home holds 2.5 people.

Housing is dominated by separate houses, with 56.1% owned outright, which is far above the national figure. Rents are much lower than usual at a typical $150 a week, and most homes have three or more bedrooms.

The community is almost entirely dependent on cars, as 0% of people commute by public transport and every single home has at least one motor vehicle. While there are a few bus stops, the walk to the nearest one is very long.

The population is very stable, with only 23.4% of people moving in the last five years, which is far below the national figure of 40.7%.

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are the main industries, employing 42.5% of the workforce. While full-time employment is higher than in most areas, the unemployment rate is very high at 10.5%.

The area ranks in the middle for overall advantage, but residents score quite high for their job skills and education compared to similar areas.

The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score of 2.7. There are no groceries, health services, or schools within a 15-minute walk.