Meekatharra

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 24.3% of the population, which is far above the national figure of 3.2%. The community is generally middle-aged, with a typical resident aged 38, and it has a high proportion of people in de facto relationships at 21.4%.

Most residents were born in Australia, and only 14.3% were born overseas, which is far below the same figure for Australia. English and Australian are the most common ancestries reported.

English is the main language used at home for 55.9% of residents, and the 11.9% who use another language is well below the national figure of 22.3%. Very few people speak little or no English.

The proportion of people with no religion is 33.7%, which is well below the national figure of 38.9%. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation at 28.6%.

Education levels are among the lowest for similar areas, with only 8.1% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion is also far below the national figure, at just 28.6%.

Typical household income is $1,202 a week, which is well below the national figure of $1,746. However, typical personal income is $1,024, which is well above the national figure of $805.

Residents report fewer long-term health conditions than most areas, with only 18.6% of people affected. This is well below the national figure of 27.7%.

Participation in unpaid work is low, with only 10.0% of people volunteering, which is well below the national figure of 14.1%.

First Nations people make up a significant part of the community, and 26.3% speak a First Nations language, which is far above the national figure. This group faces higher unemployment at 18.9% and lower typical incomes.

Living arrangements are unusual compared to most areas, with 39.6% of people living alone and 27.6% in one-parent families. Consequently, homes are smaller, with a typical 2.2 people per home.

Renting is far more common here than elsewhere in Australia at 40.6%. While this is high, the typical weekly rent of $120 is far below the national figure of $375.

Car use is common, but 12.3% of homes have no motor vehicle, which is well above the national figure. Public transport use for commuting is also well above the national average at 9.5%.

The area has seen few movers recently, with only 30.8% of people moving in the last five years. However, recent overseas arrivals are much higher than in most areas at 18.9%.

Mining is the dominant industry, employing 33.2% of the workforce. Full-time employment is far above the national figure at 76.1%, though the overall proportion of adults working or looking for work is far below average.

The area is ranked among the most disadvantaged for its level, with a very low overall advantage score of 866. Population growth has also been much lower than the state average.

The climate is hot and dry, with an average maximum temperature of 31.8 degrees and low annual rainfall of 176mm.

The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score of 2.4. Most homes are far from public transport and health services compared to the state average.