Scone Surrounds

The typical resident is 44, which is noticeably older than the national figure of 38. Seniors make up 22.2% of the population, a figure that has risen by 6.2 percentage points since 2011, while the First Nations population is well above the state average at 7.0%.

Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has among the lowest proportions of overseas-born people at 7.6%. English, Irish, and Scottish ancestries are the most common alongside Australian heritage.

English is the primary language for 90.7% of the community, and only 2.2% of people use another language at home. This is far below the national figure of 22.3%.

Christianity remains the most common affiliation at 62.5%. While the proportion of people with no religion is much lower than in most similar areas, it has risen by 15 percentage points since 2011 to reach 28.0%.

Education levels are much lower than the national average, with only 11.1% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Many residents have a Certificate III or IV, and Year 12 completion has risen to 36.4% since 2011.

Typical weekly household incomes are well below the national figure, sitting at $1,362. However, there has been a steady increase in earnings, with the typical household income rising by $335 since 2011.

Long-term health conditions are more common here than in most areas, affecting 31.0% of residents. Arthritis and asthma are the most reported conditions, and 5.5% of people need help with daily activities.

Volunteerism is much higher than the national average at 18.3%, although this has fallen since 2011. Unpaid housework is also more common here than in most similar areas.

There are 575 First Nations people in the area. The unemployment rate for this group is 8.4%, which is well below the national figure of 12.3%.

Family life varies, with 53.3% of households being couples with children, but a higher than average 28.7% of people living alone. Typical households have 2.4 people.

Housing is very affordable and secure, with 40.3% of homes owned outright and typical weekly rents of $250, which is well below the national average. Most homes are large, with nearly 80% having three or more bedrooms.

The area is heavily reliant on cars, with 60.7% of people driving to work and only 0.3% using public transport. Very few homes lack a motor vehicle, at just 3.5%.

The population is relatively settled, as 30.5% of residents have moved in the last five years, which is far lower than the national figure of 40.7%.

Full-time employment is much higher than in most areas at 63.9%. The local economy is driven by agriculture, forestry, and fishing, which employ 24.1% of the workforce, followed by mining at 11.2%.

The area has a low overall advantage score of 3, reflecting lower typical incomes and lower levels of formal qualifications compared to other regions.

The climate is characterised by an average annual rainfall of 710mm, which is well above the New South Wales average of 515mm.

The area is mostly car-dependent with a walkability score of 2.4. Very few homes are within a 15-minute walk of public transport, health services, or groceries.