Mildura Surrounds

The community is ageing rapidly, with seniors aged 65 and over making up 23.9% of the population, which is well above the national figure. This trend is reflected in the typical age of 46, making the area far older than most of Victoria.

Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has one of the lowest proportions of overseas-born people at 7.7%. English, Scottish, and Irish ancestries are the most common after Australian.

English is the dominant language, with only 5.0% of people using another language at home, a figure far below the state and national averages. Very few people here speak little or no English.

About 42.4% of residents report having no religion, which is well above the national average. This is a significant increase from 2011, when only 21.6% identified this way.

Educational attainment is among the lowest in the region, with only 33.7% of residents completing Year 12. This is far below the national figure of 58.8%.

Typical incomes are much lower than the state average, with the usual household earning $1,239 a week. Only 9.8% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly, which is far below the national figure.

About 28.9% of people live with a long-term health condition, which is a little above the national average. Arthritis and asthma are the most common reported conditions.

Volunteering is very common here, with 25.8% of people volunteering, far above the national figure. A high number of residents also spend significant time on unpaid housework.

First Nations people in the area face significant challenges, with an unemployment rate of 18.5% and a typical personal income of $425, both of which are well below state and national averages.

A large number of people live alone, accounting for 32.6% of households, which is well above the national figure. Families tend to be smaller than in other areas, with an average of 2.3 people per home.

Housing is mostly detached homes, with 92.6% of dwellings being separate houses. Home ownership is very high, as 49.9% of homes are owned outright, and typical rents are far below the national figure at $150 a week.

The area is heavily reliant on cars, with 59.6% of workers driving to work and very few using public transport. Most homes have multiple vehicles, with 35.7% owning two.

The population is relatively stable, as only 26.7% of people moved in the last five years, one of the lowest rates in the region. However, recent overseas arrivals have risen sharply to 34.7%.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing are the primary industries, employing 40.2% of the workforce. Full-time employment is more common here than in most other areas, at 62.4%.

Overall advantage is low, with the area ranking in the bottom 30% for access to money, resources, and job skills.

The environment is hot and dry, with an average maximum temperature of 24.8 degrees and annual rainfall of 290mm, which is far below the Victorian average.

The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score of 3.4. Access to basic amenities like groceries and health services within a 15-minute walk is far below the state average.