Suburb / Locality · Area profile
Orbost
209 km²
A notably older population defines Orbost, where the typical resident is 53. This East Gippsland community is distinct for its high proportion of seniors and a strong First Nations presence. It is a place of modest means, with typical incomes and housing costs far below the national figures. The town's character is shaped by a predominantly older, home-owning population and a workforce heavily involved in healthcare and agriculture.
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Orbost is far older than most areas, with seniors making up 31.6% of the population. It also has a much higher proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at 6.9%, well above the 1.0% seen across Victoria.
The community is overwhelmingly Australian-born, with only 8.8% of people born overseas, a figure far below the national average. English, Australian, and Scottish are the most common ancestries.
English is the primary language for almost everyone, with only 3.0% of people using another tongue at home. This is far below the 22.3% national figure.
Almost half of the population (49.5%) report having no religion, which is far above the national figure of 38.9%.
Formal qualifications are much lower than in most areas, with only 9.0% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher and only 29.5% completing Year 12.
Incomes are among the lowest for its level, with the typical weekly household earning $785, which is far below the national figure of $1,746.
Health challenges are more common here than in most areas; 37.6% of people have a long-term health condition and 9.6% need help with daily activities.
Volunteering is high at 19.1%, well above the national figure. There is also a higher rate of people providing unpaid care (14.5%) and a slightly higher number of Defence Force veterans compared to other areas.
The First Nations community is relatively large for this level, with a typical age of 21. While unemployment is remarkably low at 0.0%, typical personal income is $547, a little below the Victorian figure.
Many residents live alone (40.8%), which is far above the national figure. One-parent families are also much more common here than in most areas at 18.3%.
Home ownership is very high, with 52.6% of homes owned outright. Most people live in separate houses, and typical costs are low, with weekly rents at $190.
Cars are the primary way to get around, as 0.0% of people commute by public transport. Only 10.5% of people work from home, which is far below the national average.
The population is relatively stable, with 29.8% moving in the last five years, far below the national figure of 40.7%. Recent overseas arrivals are also very low at 2.0%.
The workforce is small, with only 40.2% of adults working or looking for work. Local jobs are concentrated in healthcare, agriculture, and retail, though the unemployment rate is a little above the national figure at 6.4%.
The town is somewhat walkable, with a score of 5.4. While most people can reach a park or groceries within 15 minutes, far fewer are within a 10-minute walk of public transport compared to the state average.