Proserpine

The population is noticeably older than the state and national figure, with a typical age of 42. This is reflected in the high number of seniors and a First Nations population that is well above the national average at 7.0%.

Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has far fewer overseas-born people than the state or national average. English, Australian, and Irish are the most common ancestries.

English is the primary language for 90.4% of the community. The proportion of people using another language at home is far below the national figure, and very few people speak little or no English.

About 39.3% of residents report having no religion, which is about the same as the national figure. Over half of the community identifies with Christianity.

Educational attainment is much lower than in most similar areas, with only 8.2% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion is also far below the state and national figures.

Incomes are well below those seen across the state and nation. The typical household earns $1,175 a week, and those earning $3,000 or more weekly are much less common than in most areas.

Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 34.1% of people living with a long-term condition. This includes a higher-than-usual rate of mental health conditions at 11.2%.

Volunteer rates are a little above the national figure at 16.8%. About 26.3% of people provide unpaid childcare, which is consistent with the national average.

The First Nations community is among the largest for its level. Residents are noticeably younger than the national average, and the unemployment rate for this group is well below the national figure.

Living arrangements are distinctive, with a much higher number of people living alone and more one-parent families than in most areas. About 32.1% of homes are occupied by a single person.

Renting is much more common here than in most similar areas. While detached houses are the most frequent type, typical weekly rents are well below the state and national figures.

Cars are the main way to get to work, as there are no public transport stops or routes in the area. This helps explain why 7.7% of people walk to work instead of using transit.

The community has seen significant movement, with 41.7% of people moving house in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas are also more common than in most similar areas.

Full-time employment is a little above the national figure, but the overall number of adults working or looking for work is well below the state average. Retail, health, and construction are the main industries.

The town is reasonably walkable, with far more homes within a 15-minute walk of parks, schools, and health services than the state average. However, there is no public transport within walking distance.