3886, VIC

The population has shrunk slightly to 415 people and is far older than the national average. It is a community with a strong Indigenous presence, as 10.4% of residents are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, a figure that has risen since 2011.

Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has a much lower proportion of overseas-born people compared to the rest of the state. English, Irish, and Scottish ancestries are the most common besides Australian.

English is the primary language here, with only 3.4% of people using another language at home. This is far below the national figure, and there are no residents who speak little or no English.

A majority of residents, 52%, report having no religion, which is far above the national average. This trend has grown significantly, rising by 12 percentage points since 2011.

Educational qualifications are lower than most areas, with only 32.6% of residents completing Year 12 and 11.8% holding a bachelor degree. The area is served by a very small government primary school.

Typical incomes are well below the national figure, with a typical weekly household earning $1,132. Only 9.8% of households earn $3,000 or more per week, though this has risen since 2011.

Long-term health conditions are slightly more common than the state average, with arthritis being the most reported. However, the rate of mental health conditions is much lower than in most other areas.

More people provide unpaid care or do significant housework compared to most areas. While volunteer rates are well above the national figure, they have fallen by 12 percentage points since 2011.

Family life is varied, with nearly half of households consisting of couples with children. About 24.8% of people live alone, which is a little below the Victorian average.

The area consists almost entirely of separate houses, and over half are owned outright, which is far above the national average. Typical weekly rents are very low at $150.

Every home has at least one motor vehicle, and no one uses public transport to commute to work. While there are some bus stops, they are often a 21-minute walk away.

The community is very stable, with one of the lowest rates of people moving house in the last five years. Interestingly, recent arrivals from overseas have risen sharply to 20% since 2011.

About 51.3% of adults are working or looking for work, which is far below the national average. Common industries include agriculture, forestry, and fishing, as well as health care.

The area ranks in the bottom 30% for overall advantage and job skills compared to other areas, reflecting the lower typical incomes and qualification levels.

The area is almost entirely car-dependent, with no groceries or health services within a 15-minute walk. Only 32.9% of homes are within a short walk of a park.