Poowong

The community is noticeably older than the Victorian average, with 20.8% of residents aged 65 or over. This older profile is alongside a high number of people in de facto relationships, at 16.5%, which is well above the national figure.

Most residents were born in Australia (82.6%), and the number of people born overseas is far below the state and national figures at 10.2%. Australian and English are the most common ancestries, making up 45.6% and 43.1% respectively.

English is the primary language for 89.8% of the population. Only 3.3% of people use another language at home, which is far below the Victorian average of 27.6%.

A striking 59.0% of residents have no religion, which is far above the national figure of 38.9% and among the highest for similar areas.

Education levels are far below the state and national averages, with only 14.3% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion is also much lower than the national figure at 41.5%.

Typical weekly household incomes are about the same as the national figure at $1,625. However, the number of households earning $3,000 or more a week is well below the Victorian average.

Long-term health conditions are more common here than in most similar areas, affecting 32.4% of people. Mental health conditions are also a little more frequent than the national average at 10.6%.

Local residents are very active in their community, with 21.9% volunteering, which is well above the national figure. A higher than usual 27.2% of people also spend 15 or more hours a week on unpaid housework.

There are 11 First Nations people living here. This group is noticeably younger than the state and national average, with a typical age of just 18.

Families with children are common, making up 58.0% of households. One-parent families are much less common here than in most other areas, at just 6.3%.

Housing is dominated by separate houses (97.1%), and 48.4% of homes are owned outright, which is far above the national figure. Most homes are large, with 83.6% having three or more bedrooms.

The area is heavily reliant on cars, with no households without a vehicle and 0.0% of people commuting by public transport. However, 22.8% of people work from home, which is a little above the national average.

The community has seen significant movement, with 39.0% of people moving in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals are also well above the national figure at 17.8%.

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are the biggest industries, employing 21.1% of the workforce. While more people are working or looking for work than in most similar areas, full-time employment is well below the national average.

The area is mostly car-dependent with a low walkability score of 3.8. It is difficult to access services on foot, as no homes are within a 15-minute walk of health services.