Chain Valley Bay

This is an older community where 47.1% of people are aged 65 or over, far above the national figure of 17.2%. Conversely, children under 15 make up only 10.6% of the population, which is well below the New South Wales average of 18.2%.

Most residents were born in Australia, though 14.4% were born overseas, a rate higher than most similar areas. The most common ancestries are English (45.6%), Australian (38.2%), and Irish (12.7%).

English is the primary language for 90.6% of the community. Only 1.9% of people use another language at home, which is far below the New South Wales average of 26.6%.

Christianity is the most common faith at 61.8%. About 29.2% of residents report having no religion, a figure well below the national average of 38.9%.

Educational attainment is much lower than in most areas, with only 6.4% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Just 26.1% of residents completed Year 12, far below the state figure of 58.9%.

Incomes are among the lowest in the region, with the typical household earning $866 a week, far below the national figure of $1,746. Only 7.3% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly.

Health challenges are common here, as 45.8% of people have a long-term health condition, far above the state average. This is reflected in the 9.7% of residents who need help with daily activities.

While 4.9% of residents have served in the Defence Force, which is much higher than most areas, only 8.5% of the community volunteer. This is well below the national figure of 14.1%.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 5.4% of the population. The First Nations community has a typical age of 24 and a typical personal income of $603, which is about the same as the national figure.

Homes are generally small, with a typical 2.1 people per dwelling. A high proportion of residents live alone (35.4%), far above the New South Wales average of 25.0%.

The area is dominated by detached houses, and 64.4% are owned outright, far above the national figure of 31.0%. Renting is very uncommon, occurring in only 9.4% of homes.

Cars are essential for most, with 56.2% of workers driving to work and only 0.6% using public transport. However, 99.3% of homes are within a 10-minute walk of a bus stop.

The population is relatively stable, with 33.4% of people moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas are rare at 0.8%, far below the national figure of 14.5%.

Working or looking for work is uncommon here, with only 34.0% of adults in the labour force, far below the state average. The unemployment rate of 5.9% is a little above the national figure.

The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score of 3.0. While parks and public transport are within easy walking distance, almost no residents can walk to groceries, health services, or schools.