Wellington

The population is older than most areas, with 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over. While the number of children has fallen since 2011, the community has grown slightly to 8,769 people.

Most residents were born in Australia, and those born overseas make up just 7.5%, which is far below the national figure. English and Australian are the most common ancestries.

English is the dominant language, with only 2.9% of people using another language at home. This is far below the national average, and very few residents speak little or no English.

Over half of the community identifies as Christian. Those with no religion make up 26.4%, a figure that is well below the state average but has risen significantly since 2011.

Education levels are among the lowest for similar areas, with only 31.0% of residents completing Year 12. However, there are many schools for the number of children, with 9 facilities in the area.

Incomes are much lower than in most areas, with a typical weekly household earning $1,153. Only 10.1% of households earn $3,000 or more per week, though this has risen since 2011.

Residents experience more health challenges than the national average, with 30.4% living with a long-term condition. About 6.8% of people need help with daily activities.

Volunteer rates are around the middle for similar areas at 13.9%, though this is down from 2011. Fewer people provide unpaid care or handle housework compared to the state average.

The First Nations community is a significant part of the area, with 2,040 people. They are generally younger than the broader population, though they face lower Year 12 completion rates and lower typical incomes.

One-parent families (21.3%) and people living alone (31.7%) are much more common here than in most other areas. Typical homes hold about 2.4 people.

Housing is mostly detached houses, and 40.1% of homes are owned outright. Rents and mortgage payments are far below the national average, with typical weekly rent at $230.

Cars are the primary way to get around, as only 1.1% of people use public transport to commute. Very few people work from home compared to the state average.

The community is relatively stable, with far fewer people moving in the last five years than the national average. However, recent arrivals from overseas have increased since 2011.

Full-time employment is a little higher than the national average, though far fewer adults are working or looking for work overall. Common industries include agriculture and healthcare.

The area ranks low for overall advantage and job skills compared to other regions. Population growth has been slow, falling well below the New South Wales average.

The area receives 705mm of annual rainfall, which is well above the state average. Minimum temperatures are typically lower than in most of New South Wales.

The town is only somewhat walkable, with far fewer homes within a 15-minute walk of groceries, health services, or public transport compared to the state average.