Hay South

The population is far older than the national average, with 22.7% of residents aged 65 or over. Children under 15 make up only 9% of the community, which is much lower than most similar areas.

Most residents were born in Australia, and those with an overseas birth represent just 7% of the population, which is far below the state and national figures.

English is the main language for 82.6% of people. While a small number of residents use another language at home, no one in the area speaks little or no English.

The community is more religious than the national average; 61.9% of people identify as Christian, and the proportion of those with no religion is among the lowest for its level.

Educational attainment is lower than in most areas, with only 39% of residents completing Year 12 and 10.9% holding a bachelor degree or higher.

The typical weekly household income is $1,413, which is well below the state figure of $2,185. However, typical personal weekly incomes are about the same as the national figure.

Long-term health conditions are slightly more common here than in the rest of Australia, and 5.6% of people need help with daily activities.

Volunteerism is very high, with 24.7% of people volunteering, which is far above the national figure. This is a stark contrast to the low rates of unpaid childcare and housework.

First Nations people make up a significant part of the community, though they face challenges with a typical household income of $1,124, which is well below the state average.

Most homes are occupied by couples, with 53.6% being couples without children. Households are generally smaller than the national average, with 2.2 people per home.

Housing is very affordable and spacious, with 83.2% of homes having three or more bedrooms. Nearly half of all residents own their homes outright, and typical weekly rent is far below the national figure at $165.

The area is heavily reliant on cars, with 70.6% of people driving to work. Almost every home has at least one vehicle, and no one uses public transport to commute.

About 30.3% of residents have moved in the last five years, a figure that is well below the national average. Recent arrivals from overseas make up 12% of the population.

The local economy is driven by agriculture, forestry, and fishing, which employ 29.4% of the workforce. The unemployment rate is very low at 1.6%.

The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score of 2.5. Most homes are far from health services and schools, though 65% are within a 15-minute walk of a park.