Rydal

Rydal is a mature community where the typical resident is 53, far older than the national figure of 38. Seniors make up 31.3% of the population, while children under 15 are much less common at 11.0%.

The population is predominantly Australian-born, with English, Scottish and Irish ancestries being the most common. Only 9.8% of residents were born overseas, which is far below the New South Wales figure of 29.3%.

English is the only language used at home by 92.6% of residents. No one in the area speaks little or no English, and no other languages are spoken at home, placing it far below the state and national averages.

Over half of the community (55.2%) identifies as Christian. Those with no religion make up 35.6% of the population, which is a little above the state average but well below the national figure.

Educational qualifications are lower than in most areas, with only 12.2% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Many residents have a Certificate III or IV, and 46.5% completed Year 12.

Weekly household incomes are well below the national figure, yet 15% of people earn $2,000 or more per week, which is a little above the national average. Typical personal weekly income is $657.

Long-term health conditions are much more common here than in most areas, affecting 36.2% of residents. Arthritis is the most reported condition at 15.3%.

Volunteerism is high, with 23.1% of people volunteering, far above the New South Wales figure. The area also has a high rate of former Defence Force members at 7.3%.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 6.7% of the population, well above the national average. This group is noticeably younger, with a typical age of 18.

Living arrangements are distinctive, with 40.9% of people living alone and 23.1% of families being one-parent households. Homes are smaller on average, with 2.1 people per dwelling.

Home ownership is very high, with 57.6% of houses owned outright, far above the national figure. Most residents live in separate houses, and renting is rare at just 6.1%.

The area is highly car-reliant, with every home owning at least one vehicle and a very long drive time to the city. While 26.7% work from home, no one commutes via public transport.

The community is relatively stable, as only 28.6% of residents moved in the last five years, which is far below the national figure of 40.7%.

Working or looking for work is less common here than in most areas, and the unemployment rate of 6.2% is a little above the national average. Common industries include construction, education and mining.

Rydal is heavily car-dependent with a walkability score of 1.2. No homes are within a 15-minute walk of groceries, health services or schools.