Bendoc

The community is far older than the national average, with 38.5% of people aged 65 and over. Children under 15 make up only 6.4% of the population, which is far below the figure for Victoria.

Most residents were born in Australia, and the community has strong roots in English, Australian, and Scottish ancestry. Only 7.3% of people were born overseas, which is far below the state and national figures.

English is the primary language here, with 87.2% using it only at home. Very few people use another language, and none of the residents speak little or no English.

Over half of the population identifies as Christian, while 29.4% report no religion, a figure that is well below the national average.

The community has a lower level of formal schooling than most areas, with only 23.3% of residents completing Year 12. This is far below the national figure of 58.8%.

Incomes are much lower than in most other areas; the typical household earns $1,041 a week, which is far below the Victorian figure of $1,759.

Health challenges are common here, as 41.3% of people have a long-term health condition, including 25.7% with arthritis. This is far above the national average.

The area has a very high rate of volunteering at 30.1%, which is far above the national figure. Many residents also provide unpaid care or do significant amounts of housework.

There are no Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people recorded in this area, which is lower than most similar areas.

Living arrangements are typically small, with 44.2% of people living alone. This is far above the national average, and the typical home has only 1.8 people.

Home ownership is very high, with 73.1% of houses owned outright. Every single home in the area is a separate detached house, and rent is much lower than the national average at $158 a week.

Cars are essential as there are no public transport stops or routes. While 58.3% of workers drive, a high number of people—27.1%—work from home.

The population is very stable, with only 15.3% of people moving in the last five years, which is far below the national average of 40.7%.

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing employ 52.1% of the workforce. While full-time employment is steady, the unemployment rate of 10.4% is well above the national average.

The area is entirely car-dependent with a walkability score of 0.3. There are no schools, health services, or groceries within a 15-minute walk, and the terrain is notably steep.