Merredin

The typical resident is 40, making the area a little older than the state and national figures. There is a higher proportion of children under 15 and people in de facto relationships compared to most similar areas.

Australian and English ancestries are the most common, with 75.7% of residents born in Australia. The proportion of people born overseas is far below both the state and national figures.

English is the main language for 83.7% of residents. While more people here use another language at home than in most similar areas, the figure is still far below the national average.

A high number of residents report having no religion, at 45.3%. This is well above the national figure of 38.9%.

Education levels are lower than in most areas, with far fewer adults holding a bachelor degree or having completed Year 12 compared to the state and national averages.

Typical weekly household income is $1,396, which is well below the national figure. Similarly, the number of households earning over $3,000 a week is well below the national average.

Long-term health conditions are more common here than in the state average, and a higher proportion of people need help with daily activities compared to most similar areas.

The town has a strong spirit of service, with 20.5% of people volunteering, which is well above the national figure. A higher proportion of residents have served in the Defence Force than in most similar areas.

First Nations people make up a significant part of the community, though they face challenges with a much lower typical household income and an unemployment rate far above the national average.

A high number of people live alone, at 33.0%, which is well above the national figure. One-parent families are also more common here than in most similar areas.

Housing is very affordable, with typical weekly rents far below the national figure. Most people live in separate houses, and about 32% of homes are rented, which is well above the state average.

Cars are essential, as only 0.8% of people commute by public transport. Very few residents work from home, a figure that is far below the national average.

The population is relatively mobile, with 35.8% of people having moved in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals make up 6.5% of the community.

Full-time employment is a little above the national average. Many locals work in health care, retail, or education, with technicians and trades being the most common occupation.

The town is somewhat walkable, and residents have far better access to health services within a 15-minute walk than the state average. However, fewer homes are within a short walk of groceries.