Port Stephens

The population is far older than the national figure, with 27.3% of people aged 65 and over. This senior presence is consistent with the typical age of 48, which is among the highest for similar areas.

Most residents were born in Australia (82.4%), and the proportion of people born overseas is far below the state and national figures. English and Australian are the most common ancestries.

English is the primary language for 90.8% of the community. The proportion of people using another language at home is much lower than in most other areas.

Over half of the population identifies as Christian. The number of people reporting no religion has risen by 20 points since 2011 to reach 38.5%.

The area has a lower level of formal qualifications than the national average, with only 13.5% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion is also far below the state and national figures.

Typical incomes are much lower than the national figure, with a typical weekly household income of $1,338. However, the number of households earning $3,000 or more per week rose by 8.8 points since 2011.

Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 37.4% of people living with a long-term health condition. This is reflected in the 7.3% who need help with daily activities.

A high number of residents provide unpaid care or do significant housework, and 6.6% have served in the Defence Force, which is well above the national figure.

The First Nations community is large, representing 6.5% of the population. While the unemployment rate for this group is lower than the national figure, Year 12 completion is well below the national average.

The area has a higher proportion of one-parent families than most similar areas. About 26% of people live alone, and the typical home holds 2.4 people.

Homes here are often large and owned outright, with 80.2% having three or more bedrooms. The proportion of homeowners who own their home outright is far above the national figure.

Cars are essential, as very few people use public transport to commute. Only 4% of homes have no motor vehicle, which is much lower than in most other areas.

About 39.7% of people moved house in the last five years. The number of recent arrivals from overseas has fallen since 2011 and remains well below the national average.

Fewer adults are working or looking for work compared to most areas, at 50.9%. The most common industries for those employed are health care, social assistance, and construction.

The population grew by 5.1% since 2021, which is a little below the New South Wales growth rate of 6.1%.

The area is very wet, with average annual rainfall far above the state figure. Minimum temperatures are also generally higher than the state average.

Walking to schools, groceries, or health services is difficult for many, as the area's walkability score is well below the state average. Most residents rely on cars for their daily needs.