Suburb / Locality · Area profile
Gundagai
47 km²
A shift toward a much older population is a key feature of Gundagai, where one in four residents is now aged 65 or over. This New South Wales town is largely traditional, with many people born in Australia or the UK and a high proportion of residents who identify as Christian. It is a quiet area where most people live in their own detached homes and lead a slower pace of life. This is reflected in a typical resident age of 45, which is noticeably older than the national figure.
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The community is older than the state and national averages, with 25.1% of people aged 65 and over. About 3.7% of residents are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, which is higher than in most similar areas.
The town is predominantly Australian or English in ancestry, with 80.2% of the population born in Australia. Only 9.1% were born overseas, a figure far below the national average of 27.7%.
English is the main language for 83.6% of the community. While 7.5% use another language at home, which is higher than most similar areas, this is still far below the state figure of 26.6%.
Religious affiliation is common here, with 68% identifying as Christian. This means far fewer people report having no religion (20.8%) compared to the national average of 38.9%.
Qualifications are lower than the state average, with only 11.1% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion is also much lower than most areas at 35.5%.
Typical incomes are well below the national figures, with the usual weekly household income being $1,225. Only 10.9% of households earn $3,000 or more per week, which is far below the state average.
Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 31.7% of people living with a long-term health condition. About 6.3% of residents need help with daily activities.
Local engagement is high, with 18.7% of residents volunteering, a figure well above the national average. Other participation rates, such as providing unpaid care, are about the same as the state.
There are 63 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the area. The typical age for First Nations residents is 27, which is noticeably older than the state average of 23.
A large number of people live alone here, representing 33.5% of households, which is well above the national figure. Because of this, the typical home has 2.3 people, slightly lower than the Australian average.
The town is dominated by separate houses, and 45.5% of homes are owned outright, which is far above the national average. Rent is also very low, with a typical weekly cost of $230.
Cars are essential for travel, as 66.1% of people drive to work and 0% use public transport to commute. Working from home is very rare at 6.5%, far below the state average.
Movement into the area is notable, as recent arrivals from overseas make up 49.7% of those who moved in the last five years, a figure far above the state and national averages.
The local workforce is smaller than in most areas, with only 52.2% of adults working or looking for work. Manufacturing is a primary employer, and 22.7% of workers are labourers.
The area is considered somewhat walkable, though 46% of homes are further than a 15-minute walk from groceries. Health services are more accessible here than in other parts of the state.