Suburb / Locality · Area profile
Hay
1,947 km²
A growing number of recent overseas arrivals has shifted the feel of Hay, which remains a regional hub with 2,300 people. It is a far older community than the national average, with a typical resident aged 47. This is a place where traditional roots are strong, seen in the high proportion of people with English or Australian ancestry. While it faces challenges with lower typical incomes, the area is defined by a generous spirit and high rates of volunteering.
Explore Hay by topic
The community is far older than most, with 24.4% of people aged 65 and over. It also has a much higher proportion of First Nations people than the state average, at 8.7%.
Most residents were born in Australia (80.1%) and have English or Australian ancestry. Only 7% were born overseas, which is far below the national figure.
English is the dominant language, with only 3.9% of people using another language at home. This is far below the state and national averages.
Faith remains common here; 61.2% of the population identifies as Christian. Those with no religion make up 24.7%, which is far below the national figure.
Educational attainment is much lower than in most areas, with only 33.8% of people completing Year 12. Only 6.9% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher.
Typical incomes are well below the national figure, with the usual household earning $1,152 a week. Very few households—just 7.7%—earn $3,000 or more per week.
Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, as 34.7% of people have a long-term health condition. This is reflected in a higher rate of people needing help with daily activities (7.0%).
A strong spirit of service is evident, with 21.3% of people volunteering, which is well above the national average. Unpaid care for children and housework is lower than in most areas.
There are 201 First Nations people in the area, one of the largest populations at this level. Their typical personal income is $569, and 30.6% have completed Year 12.
Living arrangements are unusual, with a much higher share of people living alone (34.9%) and one-parent families (18.5%) compared to other areas.
Most people live in separate houses (91.7%), and many own them outright (42.1%). Housing is very affordable, with the typical weekly rent at just $175.
The area is entirely dependent on cars, with no one commuting by public transport and no public transport stops available. Only 7.7% of people work from home.
While few people have moved in the last five years (27.6%), there has been a significant influx of recent overseas arrivals, accounting for 23% of the population.
Working life is centered on agriculture, forestry and fishing, with 15.8% of the workforce in these roles. Fewer adults are working or looking for work compared to most areas.
The town is somewhat walkable, especially for health services. However, there is no public transport within walking distance of any home.