6208, WA

The population is ageing, with the typical resident now 44 and a much higher share of seniors compared to most areas. While the number of children has fallen slightly since 2011, 18.6% of the community are under 15.

Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has a lower proportion of overseas-born people than the state and national figures. English and Australian are the most common ancestries.

English is the primary language here, with only 3.3% of people using another language at home. This is far below the national figure, and very few residents speak little or no English.

Nearly half of the population report having no religion, a figure that is well above the national average and has risen significantly since 2011.

Educational attainment is much lower than in most areas, with only 7.9% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Far fewer people have completed Year 12 compared to the state and national averages.

Typical weekly household and personal incomes are well below the national figure. However, the proportion of households earning $3,000 or more a week has risen since 2011.

Residents experience more health challenges than in most areas, with a much higher rate of long-term health conditions and mental health conditions. More people also need help with daily activities compared to the state average.

A higher share of people do 15 or more hours of unpaid housework than in most areas. There is also a much higher rate of former Defence Force members compared to the national figure.

The area has a much higher proportion of one-parent families than most similar places. About a quarter of residents live alone, and household sizes have edged down since 2011.

Separate houses are very common, and 83.6% of homes have three or more bedrooms. While renting is less common than in the state average, a higher share of homes are owned outright than in most areas.

Most people rely on cars, with only 6.1% of workers working from home—one of the lowest rates for this level. Despite this, there are more public transport stops per 1,000 people than in most areas.

More people have moved house in the last five years than in most similar areas. However, the number of recent arrivals from overseas has fallen since 2011 and is well below the national average.

The area has a much lower rate of people working or looking for work and a higher unemployment rate than most similar areas. Mining, manufacturing, and health care are the main industries.

The region ranks low for overall advantage and is smaller than about 80% of similar areas. It is particularly far behind in terms of education and job skills.

The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score far below the state average. Very few homes are within a 15-minute walk of groceries or health services.