Stanford Merthyr

The community has a significant First Nations population at 9.9%, which is well above the national figure. It is also an older area, with 21.7% of residents aged 65 and over, a figure higher than most similar places.

The area is overwhelmingly Australian-born, with 92.7% of people born here. This is reflected in the very low proportion of overseas-born residents, at just 3.5%, which is far below the state average.

English is the primary language for almost everyone, with only 1.6% of people using another language at home. This is far below the New South Wales average of 26.6%.

Over half of residents identify as Christian, while 39.8% report having no religion. This lack of religious affiliation is slightly above the national figure.

Education levels are much lower than in most areas, with only 6% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Many residents finished school at Year 10, and the proportion who completed Year 12 is among the lowest in the region.

Household incomes are well below the state and national figures, with a typical weekly family income of $1,476. Only 9% of households earn $3,000 or more per week, which is far below the New South Wales average.

Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 39% of people living with a long-term health condition. This includes a mental health rate of 13%, which is well above the national average.

Providing unpaid care is common, with 15.8% of residents doing so, which is much higher than in most areas. However, the volunteer rate of 7.3% is among the lowest for its level.

First Nations people make up a large part of the community, but they face significant gaps, with only 16.7% completing Year 12. The typical age for First Nations residents is also much lower than most areas, at 19 years.

One-parent families are very common at 25.1%, a figure far above the state average. Most households consist of two people, and the typical home holds 2.5 people.

The area is dominated by separate houses, which make up 94.6% of homes. A high number of residents own their homes outright (43.9%), and most houses are large, with 86.4% having three or more bedrooms.

Cars are essential, as 0% of people commute via public transport and only 9.4% work from home. Almost every home has at least one vehicle, with 44.1% owning two.

The community is very stable, with only 29.4% of people moving in the last five years. There have been no recent arrivals from overseas.

Fewer people are working or looking for work (55%) compared to the national average. Many residents are employed in health care, retail, or construction, with a high number of technicians and tradespeople.

While almost every home is within a short walk of a park, school, or bus stop, the area is not walkable for errands. Almost no one can reach groceries or health services within 15 minutes on foot.