# Orbost

Statistical Area 2 (SA2) · Area profile

Located in: Victoria › Rest of Vic. › East Gippsland › 3889, VIC

Area: 11,384 km²

Daily life in Orbost is shaped by a significantly older population and a relaxed, car-dependent pace. The typical resident is 55, and the community has a strong presence of seniors and First Nations people. It is a place where most people own their homes outright and live in detached houses. This creates a quiet, stable atmosphere where a high number of residents spend their time volunteering and helping others in the community.

## Demographics & Identity

Orbost is far older than the state and national figures, with a typical resident aged 55 and 30.9% of the population aged 65 and over. The area has a much higher proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than most areas, at 5.2%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total population | 6,727 | +0.4% since 2011 |
| Median age | 55 yrs | +14.6% since 2011 |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander population | 5.2% | -6.2% since 2011 |
| People aged 65 and over | 30.9% | +43.3% since 2011 |
| Children under 15 | 14.0% | -23.5% since 2011 |
| People in a de facto relationship | 13.9% | +16.9% since 2011 |

**Age structure** — Older adults (45–64) 31.2%, Seniors (65+) 30.9%, Young adults (25–44) 16.6%, Children (0–14) 14.0%, Youth (15–24) 7.1%

**Marital status** — Married 45.2%, Never married 30.8%, Divorced 12.4%, Widowed 7.5%, Separated 4.0%

## Ancestry & Birthplace

The community is overwhelmingly Australian-born, with 78% born here and a much lower percentage of overseas-born residents (10.3%) compared to the rest of the state.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People born overseas | 10.3% | +7.2% since 2011 |

**Country of birth** — Australia 78.0%, England 3.3%, New Zealand 0.9%, Philippines 0.7%, Italy 0.4%, South Africa 0.3%, China 0.1%, India 0.1%, Vietnam 0.1%

**Ancestry** — English 42.0%, Australian 36.5%, Scottish 12.4%, Irish 11.5%, German 4.6%, Italian 2.6%, Dutch 2.5%, Chinese 1.0%, Filipino 0.7%, Greek 0.4%, Indian 0.2%, Vietnamese 0.0%

## Language

English is the primary language for 86.5% of the community, and the proportion of people using another language at home (3.1%) is far below the national figure.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People using another language at home | 3.1% | +15.8% since 2011 |
| People who speak little or no English | 0.3% | +62.2% since 2016 |

**Language used at home** — English only 86.5%, Italian 0.4%, Tagalog 0.3%, Mandarin 0.2%, Greek 0.1%, Vietnamese 0.1%

## Religion

More than half of the population (51.6%) report having no religion, a figure that is far above the national average and has risen 14 points since 2011.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with no religion | 51.6% | +39.0% since 2011 |

**Religious affiliation** — No religion 51.6%, Christianity 34.2%, Not stated 12.5%, Buddhism 0.7%, Other religions 0.5%, Islam 0.2%, Hinduism 0.2%, Judaism 0.1%

## Education & Qualifications

Education levels are lower than most areas, with only 13.6% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher and 36.1% completing Year 12, which is far below the Victorian average.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Completed Year 12 | 36.1% | +13.7% since 2011 |
| Adults with a bachelor degree or higher | 13.6% | +25.8% since 2011 |
| Schools | 7 | — |
| Schools per 1,000 children | 7.44 | — |
| Schools within 3 km | 8 | — |
| School enrolments | 647 | — |
| Average school size | 92 | — |
| Average school ICSEA | 953 | — |

**Highest year of school** — Year 12 36.1%, Year 10 20.1%, Year 9 or below 15.3%, Year 11 15.3%

**Highest qualification level** — Certificate III / IV 31.8%, Bachelor degree 15.4%, Advanced diploma / diploma 14.0%, Postgraduate degree 4.0%, Graduate diploma / certificate 3.7%, Certificate I / II 1.9%

**Field of qualification** — Engineering & related 12.9%, Society & culture 10.5%, Education 10.0%, Health 9.1%, Management & commerce 8.3%, Agriculture & environment 6.5%, Architecture & building 6.2%, Food, hospitality & personal services 5.1%, Creative arts 2.5%, Natural & physical sciences 2.1%, Information technology 0.8%

## Income

Typical incomes are among the lowest at this level, with a typical household earning $926 a week, far below the national figure of $1,746.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median personal income (weekly) | $529 | +35.3% since 2011 |
| Median household income (weekly) | $926 | +32.9% since 2011 |
| Median family income (weekly) | $1,280 | +43.7% since 2011 |
| People earning $2,000+ a week | 4.6% | — |
| Households earning $3,000+ a week | 6.3% | — |

**Household income distribution** — $650–$1,499 35.1%, Under $650 28.5%, $1,500–$2,999 19.4%, $3,000–$3,999 3.5%, $4,000 or more 2.8%

**Personal income distribution** — Under $650 51.0%, $650–$1,499 25.7%, $1,500–$2,999 8.7%, $3,000 or more 1.6%

## Health & Disability

Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 35.1% of people living with a long-term health condition and 7.7% needing help with daily activities.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with a long-term health condition | 35.1% | — |
| People with a mental health condition | 9.9% | — |
| People needing help with daily activities | 7.7% | +27.2% since 2011 |

**Long-term health conditions reported** — Arthritis 14.0%, Mental health 9.9%, Other condition 9.0%, Asthma 8.7%, Heart disease 6.4%, Diabetes 5.4%, Cancer 4.5%, Lung condition 3.7%, Stroke 1.6%, Dementia 0.4%

**Number of long-term health conditions** — None 51.7%, One condition 21.8%, Two conditions 8.5%, Three or more 4.8%

## Community Participation

Volunteering is very common, with 24.4% of people participating—far above the national average. This spirit of service is seen in the high number of people providing unpaid care.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Volunteers | 24.4% | -20.7% since 2011 |
| People providing unpaid care | 15.8% | +14.0% since 2011 |
| People caring for children unpaid | 18.9% | -23.8% since 2011 |
| People who served in the Defence Force | 3.7% | — |
| People doing 15+ hours of unpaid housework | 28.8% | -9.3% since 2011 |

## First Nations

There are 352 First Nations people in the area. Their typical age is 28, which is noticeably older than the state and national averages.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people | 352 | — |
| First Nations median age | 28 yrs | — |
| First Nations Year 12 completion | 27.6% | — |
| First Nations unemployment rate | 8.1% | — |
| First Nations median personal income | $547 | — |
| First Nations household income | $1,114 | — |
| Speaks a First Nations language | 4.0% | — |

## Family & Households

Living arrangements are distinct, with a very high 37.3% of people living alone and a typical household size of 2.1 people, which is lower than most areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average household size | 2.1 | -4.5% since 2011 |
| One-parent families | 13.1% | -12.6% since 2011 |
| People living alone | 37.3% | +14.9% since 2011 |

**Family composition** — Couples with children 43.5%, Couples without children 42.3%, One-parent families 13.1%, Other families 1.0%

**Household size** — 2 people 39.6%, 1 person 37.3%, 3 people 9.6%, 4 people 7.5%, 5 people 4.4%, 6 or more 1.6%

## Housing & Dwellings

Housing is dominated by detached houses (95.0%), and many are owned outright (55.2%), far above the national figure. Rent is also very affordable, with a typical weekly rent of just $190.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median rent (weekly) | $190 | +52.0% since 2011 |
| Median mortgage repayment (monthly) | $1,083 | +12.3% since 2011 |
| Average people per bedroom | 0.70 | -36.4% since 2011 |
| Households renting | 17.5% | -20.6% since 2011 |
| Homes owned outright | 55.2% | +11.3% since 2011 |
| Separate (detached) houses | 95.0% | +2.8% since 2011 |
| Homes with three or more bedrooms | 71.2% | +0.0% since 2011 |

**How homes are owned or rented** — Owned outright 55.2%, Owned with a mortgage 21.4%, Rented 17.5%, Other tenure 3.0%, Not stated 2.6%

**Types of homes** — Separate house 95.0%, Townhouse / semi-detached 2.5%, Other dwelling 1.2%, Flat or apartment 0.7%

**Bedrooms per home** — 3 bedrooms 50.3%, 2 bedrooms 19.2%, 4 bedrooms 17.5%, 1 bedroom 5.7%, 5 or more 3.5%, Studio / none 1.3%

**Weekly rent distribution** — Under $200 47.2%, $200–$349 39.0%, $350–$549 4.9%, $550–$749 0.6%

**Monthly mortgage distribution** — Under $1,000 41.4%, $1,000–$1,799 32.2%, $1,800–$2,999 12.8%, $3,000 or more 5.4%

## Transport & Vehicles

The area is heavily reliant on cars, as only 0.4% of people commute by public transport and most homes have one or two vehicles.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Homes with no motor vehicle | 4.9% | -33.8% since 2011 |
| People working from home | 17.1% | +51.0% since 2011 |
| Commuting by public transport | 0.4% | -58.9% since 2011 |
| Public transport stops | 27 | — |
| PT stops per 1,000 people | 4.01 | — |
| Weekly PT departures per 1,000 people | 75.7 | — |
| Public transport routes | 5 | — |

**How people get to work** — Car (driver) 54.3%, Worked at home 17.1%, Walked 7.0%, Car (passenger) 3.8%, Bicycle 1.3%, Bus 0.4%

**Motor vehicles per home** — 2 vehicles 36.6%, 1 vehicle 35.6%, 3 vehicles 14.6%, 4 or more 8.0%, No vehicle 4.9%

## Migration & Movement

The population is very stable, with far fewer people moving in the last five years (29.0%) compared to the national average of 40.7%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People who moved in the last 5 years | 29.0% | -8.2% since 2011 |
| Recent arrivals from overseas | 6.1% | +12.0% since 2011 |

## Jobs & Industry

The workforce is smaller than in most areas, with only 46.0% of adults working or looking for work. Major industries include agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | -12.3% since 2011 |
| Labour-force participation | 46.0% | -10.5% since 2011 |
| Employed full-time | 48.5% | -10.5% since 2011 |

**Industries people work in** — Agriculture, forestry & fishing 17.6%, Health care & social assistance 14.8%, Education & training 10.1%, Accommodation & food 8.5%, Retail trade 7.8%, Construction 7.7%, Public administration & safety 6.0%, Manufacturing 4.8%, Transport & warehousing 3.6%, Administrative & support 3.2%, Other services 2.8%, Professional & technical 2.7%, Arts & recreation 2.1%, Wholesale trade 1.6%, Electricity, gas & water 0.8%, Mining 0.8%, Rental & real estate 0.7%, Finance & insurance 0.5%, Media & telecommunications 0.3%

**Occupations people work in** — Managers 21.6%, Labourers 14.9%, Professionals 14.7%, Community & personal service 13.4%, Technicians & trades 10.9%, Clerical & administrative 9.0%, Sales workers 6.7%, Machinery operators & drivers 6.7%

## Economy & Advantage

Orbost faces significant disadvantage, scoring 2 out of 10 for overall advantage, which is lower than about 80% of similar areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile) | 2 | — |
| Socio-economic disadvantage (IRSD decile) | 2 | — |
| Economic resources (IER decile) | 2 | — |
| Education & occupation (IEO decile) | 3 | — |
| Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD score) | 912 | — |
| Population estimate | 6,727 | — |
| Population growth since 2021 | 0.5% | — |
| Businesses | 759 | — |

## Environment & Climate

The area is wetter than most of Victoria, with an average annual rainfall of 952mm, while temperatures remain slightly cooler than the state average.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average annual rainfall | 952 | — |
| Average maximum temperature | 19.6 | — |
| Average minimum temperature | 8.8 | — |

## Walkability

Daily life is mostly car-dependent with a low walkability score of 3.0. Only 40% of homes are within a 15-minute walk of basic amenities like groceries.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Walkability score | 3.0 | — |
| Amenity types within a 15-minute walk | 3.2 | — |
| Homes with a 15-minute-city walkshed | 40.0% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of groceries | 40.7% | — |
| Homes within 10 min walk of public transport | 29.5% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a school | 40.6% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a park | 53.9% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of health services | 32.7% | — |
| Walkable amenities per 1,000 residents | 54.7 | — |
| Street connectivity (intersections/km²) | 0 | — |
| Mean terrain slope | 7.9% | — |

## Schools serving Orbost

8 schools, 776 students, average ICSEA 950.

By sector: Government 7, Catholic 1

By type: Primary 5, Combined 3

| School | Sector | Type | Distance | Students |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Cann River P-12 College | Government | Combined | 32.2 km | 34 |
| Orbost Community College | Government | Combined | 57.9 km | 347 |
| St Joseph's School | Catholic | Primary | 59.0 km | 26 |
| Marlo Primary School | Government | Primary | 61.9 km | 50 |
| Newmerella Primary School | Government | Primary | 62.4 km | 41 |
| Buchan Primary School | Government | Primary | 68.8 km | 23 |
| Mallacoota P-12 College | Government | Combined | 76.5 km | 126 |
| Toorloo Arm Primary School | Government | Primary | 96.5 km | 129 |

## Areas within Orbost

[Orbost Block 1](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108501/20502108501) · [Orbost Block 2](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108502/20502108502) · [Orbost Block 3](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108503/20502108503) · [Orbost Block 4](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108504/20502108504) · [Orbost Block 5](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108505/20502108505) · [Orbost Block 6](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108506/20502108506) · [Orbost Block 7](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108507/20502108507) · [Orbost Block 8](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108508/20502108508) · [Orbost Block 9](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108509/20502108509) · [Orbost Block 10](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108510/20502108510) · [Orbost Block 11](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108511/20502108511) · [Orbost Block 12](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108512/20502108512) · [Orbost Block 13](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108513/20502108513) · [Orbost Block 14](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108514/20502108514) · [Orbost Block 15](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108515/20502108515) · [Orbost Block 16](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20502108516/20502108516)

## Nearby areas

[Bombala](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/101031013/bombala) · [Alps - East](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/205021080/alps-east) · [Lakes Entrance](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/205021084/lakes-entrance) · [Bega-Eden Hinterland](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/101041020/bega-eden-hinterland) · [Jindabyne - Berridale](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/101031016/jindabyne-berridale) · [Lake King](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/205021083/lake-king) · [Bruthen - Omeo](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/205021082/bruthen-omeo) · [Bairnsdale](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/205021081/bairnsdale)

Interactive profile: https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/205021085/orbost