Murray Bridge

The area is becoming older, with the typical resident now 42 and seniors making up 22.9% of the population, which is well above the national figure. First Nations people make up 6.0% of the community, a proportion much higher than most similar areas.

Most residents were born in Australia, and those born overseas make up 13.5% of the population, which is far below the national average. English and Australian are the most common ancestries.

English is the primary language for 82.5% of the community. Only 9.1% of people use another language at home, a figure far below the national average of 22.3%.

A large number of residents report no religion, accounting for 47.5% of the population. This is well above the national figure and has risen by 20 percentage points since 2011.

Educational qualifications are among the lowest for similar areas, with only 8.2% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion is also far below the national average at 35.8%.

Incomes are generally much lower than the national figure, with the typical household earning $1,077 a week. Only 6.9% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly, which is among the lowest for this level.

Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 35.2% of people having a long-term health condition. About 9.2% of residents need help with daily activities, which is well above the national average.

Volunteering is more common here than in most similar areas, with 16.4% of people helping out. Unpaid care is also frequent, as 13.7% of residents provide unpaid care.

The community is home to 1,101 First Nations people, a count among the largest for this level. While 12.4% speak a First Nations language, typical personal income is much lower than the national figure at $490.

People are more likely to live alone here than in most areas, with 32.7% of households consisting of one person. One-parent families also make up 19.7% of the community, which is well above the national average.

Separate houses are very common, making up 87.3% of all homes. Renting is more frequent than average at 35.0%, though the typical weekly rent of $240 is well below the national figure.

Cars are essential for most, with 71.2% of people driving to work and only 0.3% using public transport. Very few people work from home, at just 4.6%.

About 37.1% of the population moved in the last five years, which is about the same as the state average. Recent arrivals from overseas make up 15.9% of the community.

The unemployment rate is 6.9%, which is a little above the national average. Many residents work in health care, retail, or manufacturing, and a high number are employed as labourers.

The area ranks among the lowest for overall advantage, with a score of 852. It is also among the lowest for access to money, resources, and job skills compared to similar areas.

The area is quite dry, with average annual rainfall that is far above the state average. Minimum temperatures are also much lower than in most other areas.

The area is only somewhat walkable, and only 50.0% of homes are within a 15-minute walk of local amenities. This is far below the state average of 67.0%.