Tamworth Surrounds

The typical resident is 45, which is noticeably older than the national figure. This older profile is reflected in the high proportion of seniors, who make up 21.8% of the population.

The area is very traditional in its roots, with 87.7% of people born in Australia. Only 5.4% were born overseas, a figure far below the state and national averages.

English is the dominant language, spoken by 91.9% of people at home. Very few residents speak another language (1.9%), which is far below the New South Wales average.

Christianity remains the most common faith at 62.9%. While the number of people reporting no religion rose 16 points since 2011, it remains well below the national figure.

Education levels are lower than in most areas, with only 38.9% of residents completing Year 12. However, the area has a high number of schools per 1,000 children.

Typical weekly household income is $1,431, which is well below the state average. While pay has risen since 2011, the area still has fewer high-earners than most of the country.

Long-term health conditions are much more common here than elsewhere, affecting 34.1% of people. Arthritis and asthma are the most reported issues.

Residents are more likely to volunteer than most Australians, though this rate fell from 24.3% in 2011. There is also a higher-than-usual rate of people providing unpaid care.

First Nations people make up 9.6% of the population, which is well above the national average. The unemployment rate for this group is 5.4%, much lower than most other areas.

Families with children are common, making up 55.6% of households. About 24.6% of people live alone, which is consistent with the national average.

Housing is spacious and stable, with 84.5% of homes having three or more bedrooms. Renting is uncommon at 15.9%, and 42.3% of homes are owned outright.

Car use is essential, as 58.9% of people drive to work and only 0.3% use public transport. Most homes own at least two vehicles.

The population is relatively stable, with 33.3% moving in the last five years, which is well below the national figure. Recent overseas arrivals are also uncommon at 8.3%.

Full-time employment is much higher than the national average at 62.3%. The most common industries are healthcare, social assistance, and agriculture.

The area has a large number of businesses and a population that is larger than 88% of similar areas. However, its overall advantage score is lower than most of the country.

The area experiences a wide range of temperatures, with average minimums that are lower than the state average. Annual rainfall is 788mm, which is well above the New South Wales figure.

The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score far below the state average. Very few homes are within a 15-minute walk of groceries, health services, or parks.