Wagga Wagga Surrounds

The typical resident is 36, which is noticeably younger than the state average. Families are common here, with 21.4% of the population being children under 15, a figure well above the national average.

The community is predominantly Australian or British in ancestry and far less diverse than the rest of the state, with only 6.8% of people born overseas.

English is the primary language for 88.3% of residents. Those using another language at home account for only 4.4%, which is far below the national figure.

Christianity remains the most common faith at 59.3%, though the number of people reporting no religion has risen by 17 points since 2011 to reach 29.8%.

Qualifications are lower than in most similar areas, with only 16.5% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. However, Year 12 completion rose by 9.6 points since 2011 to 45.3%.

Typical weekly household income is $1,748, which is about the same as the national figure. Personal incomes are higher than in most areas, with a typical weekly pay of $856.

Long-term health conditions are reported by 28.6% of residents, which is about the same as the national average. Asthma is the most common condition at 10.4%.

This is a highly active community where 21.4% of people volunteer, a figure well above the national average. It also has a very high rate of former Defence Force members at 7.9%.

First Nations people make up a significant part of the community. This group is notably younger than the national average and has an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is well below the national figure.

Homes are typically larger than average, with 2.7 people per household. Couples with children make up 60.6% of families, and few people live alone compared to other areas.

The area is dominated by large detached houses, with 86.5% of homes having three or more bedrooms. Renting is much less common than elsewhere, and the typical weekly rent of $280 is well below the state average.

Car dependence is very high, as only 0.3% of people commute by public transport. Most homes have multiple vehicles, with 41.1% owning two cars.

The area has seen steady movement, with 39.3% of residents moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas have also increased, rising to 13.5% since 2011.

Employment is strong, with a very low unemployment rate of 2.3%. Many residents work in agriculture, public administration, or health care, and 66.1% are employed full-time.

The region is relatively well-off, with an overall advantage score that is higher than about 51% of similar areas and a large business presence of 2,270 companies.

The area experiences lower minimum temperatures than the state average. Annual rainfall is 598mm, which is a little above the New South Wales figure.

The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score far below the state average. Only 21.6% of homes are within a 15-minute walk of groceries.