3840, VIC

The typical resident is 44, making the area noticeably older than the state and national figure of 38. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 22.1% of the population, which is well above the national average and has risen by 4.3 points since 2011.

Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has a far lower proportion of overseas-born people (15.0%) compared to Victoria's 30.0%. English and Australian are the most common ancestries, together accounting for over 70% of the community.

English is the main language for 80.5% of residents. While 9.5% use another language at home—a figure higher than in many similar areas—this is still far below the Victorian average of 27.6%.

A large number of people report having no religion (45.8%), which is well above the national figure. This trend has grown significantly, rising 19 points since 2011.

Educational attainment is much lower than in most other areas, with only 9.2% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. This is far below the national figure of 26.3%, and only 34.4% of residents have completed Year 12.

Incomes are much lower than in most areas, with a typical weekly household income of $1,038, which is far below the national figure of $1,746. Only 9.8% of households earn $3,000 or more a week.

Health challenges are common here, with 37.3% of people living with a long-term health condition. This is well above the national average, and 10% of residents need help with daily activities, among the highest for its level.

Unpaid care is a key part of local life, with 14.0% of people providing such support, which is a little above the national figure. However, volunteering has fallen since 2011 and is now much lower than in most areas.

Single-person households are very common, with 34.3% of people living alone. There is also a very high proportion of one-parent families (21.7%), which is well above the national average of 14.1%.

The area is dominated by separate houses (88.0%), and 38.8% of homes are owned outright. Rent is far below the national figure, with a typical weekly rent of $215.

Most people rely on cars, and the drive time to the city is much higher than in most areas. Despite this, there are many public transport stops, though only 1.1% of people use them to commute.

The population is relatively stable, with 30.7% moving in the last five years, which is well below the national figure of 40.7%. Recent overseas arrivals account for 8.3% of the community.

The local job market struggles, with an unemployment rate of 9.4% that is well above the national figure. Only 47.1% of adults are working or looking for work, which is far below the national average.

The area ranks among the lowest for overall advantage, with its score for access to money and job skills sitting at the bottom compared to 90% of similar areas.

With only 6 recorded offences per 100,000 people, the area is much safer than most other regions.

The area is only somewhat walkable, as many homes are far from essential services. For example, only 56% of homes are within a 15-minute walk of groceries, which is far below the Victorian figure of 74%.