Ballan

The population is older than the state and national averages, with 20.4% of people aged 65 and over. De facto relationships are more common here than in most similar areas, accounting for 15.4% of residents.

Most residents were born in Australia, and those born overseas make up 13.1% of the population, which is far below the national figure of 27.7%. English and Australian ancestries are the most frequent, each accounting for about 42% of residents.

English is the primary language for 92.2% of the community. The proportion of people using another language at home is 3.8%, which is far below the figures for both Victoria and Australia.

A high number of residents report having no religion, at 47.6%. This is well above the national figure of 38.9% and the state figure of 39.3%.

While 17.2% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher, which is more than in most similar areas, this is far below the state average of 29.2%. Year 12 completion is also far below the national figure at 46.3%.

Typical weekly household income is $1,560, which is a little below the national figure of $1,746. However, 9.8% of people earn $2,000 or more a week, a rate higher than most similar areas.

Health needs are much higher here than in most areas, with 34.9% of people living with a long-term health condition. This is well above the national average of 27.7%.

Unpaid care is a significant part of local life, with 15.7% of people providing unpaid care, a rate much higher than most areas. Volunteering is also more common here than in the state and nation.

The First Nations community is smaller than in 80% of similar areas, but those residents have a much lower unemployment rate (0.0%) and higher typical personal income than the state and national averages.

Family life is varied, with 55.4% of households consisting of couples with children. People living alone are slightly more common here than across the state, at 27.3%.

The area is dominated by separate houses, which make up 93.5% of homes, far above the national figure of 72.3%. Large homes are the norm, with 85% having three or more bedrooms.

Most people rely on cars, but the area has more public transport stops and routes than about 80% of similar areas. Only 3.7% of homes have no motor vehicle, which is well below the national figure.

The community has seen significant movement, with 40% of people moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas are far less common here than in the rest of Australia.

Full-time employment is slightly higher than the state average at 60.4%. Construction, health care, and public administration are the most common industries for local workers.

The area is somewhat walkable, though it scores well below the state average. Many homes are far from key services, with only 55.9% within a 15-minute walk of groceries.