State Electorate · Area profile
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
12,479 km²
A growing population has shaped Polwarth over the last few years, with the community expanding by nearly 9% since 2016. This is an older area where the typical resident is 45, making it noticeably older than the state and national averages. It is a place of spacious, detached homes and a strong volunteer spirit, which helps explain the high number of people providing unpaid care. The area feels distinctly rural, with most residents relying on cars and few using public transport.
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The population is significantly older than the national average, with 22.7% of people aged 65 and over. While children under 15 make up 17.8% of the community, the typical resident is 45, which is seven years older than the national figure.
The area is overwhelmingly Australian-born, with 83.7% born here and only 9.3% born overseas, a figure far below the national average. People of Australian, English, Irish, and Scottish ancestry make up the vast majority of the community.
English is the primary language for almost everyone, with 89.6% using it only at home. Only 4% of residents use another language, which is far below the national figure of 22.3%.
A large portion of the community identifies as having no religion, at 46.5%, which is well above the national average. This figure has risen by 12 percentage points since 2016.
Education levels are generally lower than in the rest of the state, with 45.8% of residents completing Year 12. Only 17.5% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher, which is well below the national figure.
Typical incomes are a little below the national average, with the usual weekly household income sitting at $1,440. However, there has been a steady rise in earnings since 2016, and 15.7% of households now earn $3,000 or more per week.
Health challenges are more common here, as 30.7% of people have a long-term health condition, which is higher than most areas. Arthritis is the most reported condition, affecting 9.9% of the population.
Volunteerism is very high here, with 20.8% of people volunteering, well above the national figure. This community spirit is also seen in unpaid work, as 25.4% of residents spend 15 or more hours a week on housework.
Families with children are common, making up 55.8% of households. Interestingly, 27.8% of people live alone, which is a little above the national average.
Housing is dominated by large, detached homes, with 94.2% of dwellings being separate houses. Home ownership is very strong, as 43.1% of homes are owned outright, far above the national figure.
The area is heavily car-dependent, with 96.4% of homes owning at least one motor vehicle. Only 0.3% of people commute by public transport, which is among the lowest levels in the country.
The community is relatively stable, as 33.8% of people have moved in the last five years, which is well below the national figure. Recent overseas arrivals make up 13% of the population.
The local workforce is largely employed in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, as well as health and construction. The unemployment rate is very low at 2.6%, which is well below the state average.
The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score of 3.6, far below the Victorian average. Only 45.5% of homes have a 15-minute-city walkshed, meaning most residents cannot walk to basic amenities.