7321, TAS

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is 8.2%, which is much higher than most areas. While the community is ageing—with seniors making up 19.7%—there has been a rise in people living in de facto relationships since 2011.

Most residents were born in Australia (82.6%), and the area has far fewer overseas-born residents than the national average. English, Scottish, and Irish ancestries are the most common backgrounds here.

Language diversity is very low, with only 2.1% of people using a language other than English at home. This is far below the national figure of 22.3%.

A majority of residents (53.1%) report having no religion, a figure that is far above the national average and has risen by 24 points since 2011.

Education levels are much lower than in most areas, with only 34.3% of residents completing Year 12. This is far below the national average, though the number of adults with a bachelor degree has risen slightly since 2011.

Typical weekly household income is $1,341, which is about the same as the state average but well below the national figure. Incomes have generally risen across the board since 2011.

Long-term health conditions are more common here than in most areas, affecting 32.1% of the population. Arthritis and mental health are the most frequently reported conditions.

Volunteering is more common here than across Australia, with 17.7% of people helping out. About 27.7% of residents spend 15 or more hours a week on unpaid housework, which is much higher than most areas.

Families with children are common, making up 55.7% of households. One-parent families are much less common here than in most other areas, at just 9.2%.

Housing is overwhelmingly dominated by separate houses (98%), and 44% of these are owned outright. Renting is very uncommon, at just 13.2%, which is far below the national average.

The area is heavily reliant on cars, with 68.9% of workers driving to work and very few using public transport. Only 1.9% of homes have no motor vehicle.

Movement into the area has increased slightly, with 32.8% of people moving in the last five years. However, recent arrivals from overseas have fallen since 2011.

About 57.7% of adults are working or looking for work, which is lower than the national average. Local jobs are concentrated in health care, social assistance, and agriculture.

The area ranks lower than most others for education and job skills, as well as overall advantage, though it sits in the middle of the pack for access to money and resources.

This is a car-dependent area with a very low walkability score of 1.6. Most homes are far from basic amenities, with only 6% within a 15-minute walk of a school.