Forster-Tuncurry Surrounds

The population is far older than the national figure, with seniors making up 29.3% of the community. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people represent 5.4% of the population, which is much higher than most similar areas.

English and Australian ancestries are the most common, while only 12.0% of residents were born overseas. This figure is far below the national average and has barely changed since 2011.

English is the primary language for 89.1% of the community. Only 2.7% of people use another language at home, which is among the lowest rates for its level.

People with no religion make up 42.7% of the population, a figure that has risen by 20 points since 2011. This is well above the national figure of 38.9%.

Education levels are much lower than most areas, with only 36.9% of residents having completed Year 12. Those with a bachelor degree or higher make up 14.7% of adults, far below the state average.

Typical weekly household income is $1,142, which is well below the national figure of $1,746. Only 11.0% of households earn $3,000 or more a week, a rate much lower than most areas.

Long-term health conditions affect 34.4% of residents, which is well above the national average. Arthritis and mental health are the most common reported conditions.

Unpaid care is common here, with 29.0% of people spending 15 or more hours a week on housework, well above the state figure. Volunteering rates are around 14.6%.

First Nations residents are noticeably older than the state average, with a typical age of 29. However, unemployment is very high at 22.1% and Year 12 completion is among the lowest at 22.9%.

Homes are generally small, with a typical size of 2.3 people, which is a little below the national figure. About 41.9% of households are couples without children.

Housing is dominated by separate houses, which make up 92.3% of dwellings. A striking 52.1% of homes are owned outright, far above the national figure of 31.0%.

Car use is essential as only 0.5% of people commute by public transport. Almost every home has a vehicle, and 40.2% of households own two cars.

Around 38.1% of the population moved in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas are very few, at just 2.6%, which is far below the national average.

The workforce is smaller than most areas, with only 45.8% of adults working or looking for work. The unemployment rate is 5.9%, which is a little above the state figure.

Overall advantage is low, ranking at 3 out of 10. While access to resources is moderate, the area scores lower for education and job skills.

The area is much wetter than most, with average annual rainfall of 1,398mm, far above the state average of 515mm.

The area is mostly car-dependent, with a low walkability score of 2.5. Many residents live far from essential services, as only 15.1% of homes are within a 15-minute walk of health services.