Tocumwal

Tocumwal is a senior-heavy community where the typical resident is 59, making it far older than the national figure of 38. Children under 15 make up only 14.1% of the population, which is well below the New South Wales average.

The area has a very strong local base, with 80.9% of people born in Australia. This is far below the state and national figures for overseas births, and the most common ancestries are English, Australian, and Irish.

English is the primary language for 87.6% of the community. Only 2.4% of people use another language at home, which is far below the New South Wales average of 26.6%.

Over half the population identifies as Christian, while 36.3% of residents report no religion. This figure is well above the state average but slightly below the national figure.

Formal qualifications are lower than in most areas, with only 9.4% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion is also much lower than the national figure, sitting at 29.9%.

Incomes in Tocumwal are well below national levels, with a typical weekly household income of $1,067. Only 9.5% of households earn $3,000 or more per week, which is far below the state average.

Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 38.5% of people living with a long-term health condition. Consequently, 7.3% of residents need help with daily activities, which is a little above the national average.

Volunteerism is high, with 21.1% of the population volunteering, well above the national figure. There is also a stronger presence of former Defence Force members compared to most other areas.

The First Nations community is small, consisting of 60 people. Notably, the unemployment rate for this group is 0.0%, which is far below the national figure.

Homes tend to be smaller, with 2.2 people per household. A high number of people live alone—32.4%—which is well above the New South Wales average and consistent with the aging population.

Housing is dominated by separate houses, which make up 90.6% of dwellings. Home ownership is very high, with 52.2% of homes owned outright, far above the national average of 31%.

The town is heavily reliant on cars, as 67% of workers drive to work and 0% use public transport. Very few homes lack a motor vehicle, with only 2.9% having none.

The population is relatively stable, although 34.5% of people have moved in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas make up 8.6% of the community.

Working age residents are fewer here than in most areas, with 41.4% of adults working or looking for work. Key industries include agriculture, forestry and fishing, and health care.

The area is somewhat walkable, though it falls far below the state average for a 15-minute-city walkshed. Most homes are within a 15-minute walk of a park or a school.