3618, VIC

The area is far older than most, with 22.5% of people aged 65 and over, a figure that rose nearly 10 points since 2011. It also has a higher proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than the state average at 3.2%.

Most residents were born in Australia, and those with overseas roots are far fewer than the national average. Australian, English, Scottish, and Irish are the most common ancestries.

While 83.7% of people speak only English, this area has a higher rate of other languages spoken at home than many similar places, though this fell slightly since 2011.

About 40.8% of the community report having no religion, which is slightly above the national figure. This group grew by 16 points since 2011, while Christianity remains the most common affiliation at 44.3%.

Education levels are among the lowest for its level, with only 6.4% of adults holding a bachelor degree. Just 33.3% of residents finished Year 12, which is far below the national figure.

Typical weekly incomes are much lower than most areas, with the typical household earning $1,030. Only 7.6% of households earn $3,000 or more a week, which is far below the Victorian average.

Long-term health issues are very common here; 38.9% of people have a long-term condition, which is far above the national figure. Mental health and asthma are the most reported conditions.

More people provide unpaid care here than in most areas, with 15.3% doing so. This is consistent with the high number of people who need help with daily activities.

One-parent families make up 17.3% of households, which is well above the state average. About 27.9% of people live alone, and the typical home holds 2.3 people.

The area is almost entirely made up of separate houses, and 41.6% are owned outright. Typical weekly rent is just $180, which is far below the national figure.

Cars are essential here, as 0% of people commute by public transport and the drive time to the city is among the highest in the region. Most homes have two or more vehicles.

While the number of people moving recently is average, the area has a much higher proportion of recent overseas arrivals than the national average, rising to 20.5% since 2011.

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are the main industries for the 53.7% of adults working or looking for work. The unemployment rate is 6.7%, which is a little above the national figure.

This area ranks among the most disadvantaged for its level across all measures, including access to money, resources, and job skills.

The area is only somewhat walkable, with a score of 4.3, which is well below the state average. Notably, no homes are within a 15-minute walk of health services.