Silver Valley

The community has a strong First Nations presence, with 13.1% of residents being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, which is well above the state average. It is an older population where children under 15 make up only 13.8%.

English and Australian ancestries are the most common, while 15.9% of residents were born overseas. This proportion of overseas-born people is higher than in similar areas, but far below the national figure.

English is the main language for 71.7% of people. While the number of people using another language at home is higher than in similar areas, it remains far below the national average.

More than half of residents (50.3%) have no religion, which is far above the national figure. Christianity is the only other significant religious group at 26.2%.

Education levels are much lower than in most areas, with only 27.7% of residents completing Year 12. Those with a bachelor degree or higher are very few at 5.4%, far below the national average.

Incomes are among the lowest in the region, with the typical household earning just $575 a week. No households in the area earn $3,000 or more per week, which is far below the state and national figures.

About 13.1% of people need help with daily activities, a rate well above the national figure. Arthritis is the most common long-term health condition, affecting 15.2% of residents.

A higher than average 13.8% of people provide unpaid care, and 5.5% have served in the Defence Force. This rate of veteran service is much higher than in most similar areas.

First Nations people make up a significant part of the population, though their typical personal income of $317 is far below the national figure. The typical First Nations resident is 33, which is far older than the state average.

Living arrangements are distinctive, with 42.1% of people living alone. One-parent families are also much more common here than in most areas, at 21.3%.

Homes are almost exclusively separate houses (98.2%), and 56.1% are owned outright. Rent is very low, with the typical weekly payment at just $100.

The area is entirely car-dependent, with no public transport stops or routes. Every home has at least one motor vehicle, and 35.8% have two.

The population is quite stable, with only 25.7% of people moving in the last five years. There have been no recent arrivals from overseas.

The unemployment rate is 28.9%, which is far above the national figure. Many who do work are in retail trade, mining, or construction, though only 29.2% of adults are working or looking for work.

Silver Valley is completely car-dependent, with a walkability score of 0.0. There are no groceries, schools, or health services within a 15-minute walk.