Merriwa

The typical resident is 45, making the area noticeably older than the rest of Australia. It has a much higher proportion of seniors and children than most similar areas, while First Nations people make up 7.5% of the population, well above the state figure.

Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has far fewer overseas-born people than the state or national average. Those with overseas roots most commonly cite English, Irish, or Scottish ancestry.

English is the primary language for the vast majority of the community. The proportion of people using another language at home is far below the national figure, and very few people speak little or no English.

Christianity is the most common religious affiliation at 68.6%. Notably, the share of people reporting no religion is far below the national average.

Education levels are much lower than in most other areas, with far fewer people finishing Year 12 or holding a bachelor degree compared to the state. Qualifications are often practical, with a high number of Certificate III or IV holders.

Household and personal incomes are well below the national figure. The typical family earns $1,471 a week, and very few households earn $3,000 or more per week.

More people here live with a long-term health condition than in most other areas. This is consistent with the older population, with arthritis and asthma being the most common reported issues.

Volunteering is very common, with 22.1% of people giving their time, which is well above the national average. Unpaid care for children and housework is around the same as the state figure.

The First Nations community is larger than in 90% of similar areas. While Year 12 completion is well above the national average for this group, typical personal incomes are well below the national figure.

A high number of people live alone, and one-parent families are much more common here than in most other areas. Typical homes house about 2.4 people.

Almost all homes are separate houses, and 42.5% are owned outright, which is far above the national figure. Typical weekly rents and mortgage payments are well below the state average.

The community is heavily reliant on cars, as there are no public transport stops. Only 4.5% of homes have no motor vehicle, which is well below the state average.

About a third of the population moved in the last five years. This is well below the national figure, suggesting a more stable population.

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are the main industries, employing a quarter of the workforce. While full-time employment is slightly above the national average, fewer adults are working or looking for work overall.

The area is mostly car-dependent with a walkability score far below the state average. Very few homes are within a 15-minute walk of groceries, health services, or public transport.