7172, TAS

The typical resident is 41, though the area is noticeably older than the national average with 22.9% of people aged 65 or over. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 4.6% of the population, which is higher than most similar areas.

Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has a far lower percentage of overseas-born people (10.4%) than the national figure. English and Australian ancestries are the most common, though the proportion of people born overseas has risen since 2011.

English is the main language for nearly 90% of the community, which is far below the national average for language diversity. However, the number of people using another language at home has risen from 1.1% in 2011 to 5.3%.

Nearly half of the population (47.9%) reports having no religion, a figure well above the national average. This trend has grown significantly, rising 25 points since 2011.

The area has lower school completion rates than most, with 38.7% of people finishing Year 12, which is far below the national figure. Only 13.1% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher, though this has risen since 2011.

Incomes are generally lower than most areas; the typical household earns $1,362 a week, which is well below the national figure of $1,746. However, the proportion of households earning $3,000 or more a week has risen to 10.8%.

Health challenges are common here, with 37.1% of people living with a long-term health condition, which is well above the national average. Mental health conditions are also much more frequent than in most similar areas.

Unpaid care is a major part of local life, with 29.3% of people caring for children, a rate well above the national figure. A higher than usual 4.3% of residents have served in the Defence Force.

One-parent families are much more common here than in most areas, making up 17.8% of households. About 27.2% of people live alone, and the typical home holds 2.4 people.

Detached houses are the overwhelming norm at 97.3%, far above the national average. Rent is slightly higher than the state figure at $350 a week, and typical monthly mortgage payments have risen to $1,517.

Cars are essential, as 69.7% of workers drive to work and very few (7.3%) work from home. Public transport is rarely used for commuting, and the area has far fewer transport stops than the state average.

The area is seeing significant movement, with 41.5% of people having moved house in the last five years. This is well above the state average and consistent with the recent 41% population growth.

About 57.8% of adults are working or looking for work, which is well below the national figure. The most common industries for local workers are healthcare, construction, and retail.

The community faces more challenges than most, ranking in the bottom 30% for overall advantage. This is reflected in lower typical incomes and a lack of high-level job skills compared to other areas.

The area is somewhat walkable, and many homes are within a 15-minute walk of groceries and health services, far exceeding the state average. However, access to parks and schools on foot is lower than in other Tasmanian areas.