State Electorate · Area profile
Central Wheatbelt (Agricultural)
102,042 km²
A far older population than the state or national average defines Central Wheatbelt (Agricultural), where the typical resident is 47. This vast agricultural region is largely non-residential and sparsely populated, with many residents living alone in detached houses. It is a stable community where few people move in or out, and a strong culture of volunteering is common. The area's character is shaped by a deep connection to the land and a workforce heavily focused on farming.
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The area is much older than most, with 23.8% of people aged 65 and over, which is well above the national figure of 17.2%. There is also a slightly higher proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at 5.1% compared to the state average.
Most residents were born in Australia (73.7%), and the area has far fewer overseas-born people than the state average. English and Australian ancestries are the most common, making up over 80% of the population.
English is the dominant language, used by 84% of residents. The proportion of people using another language at home is far below both the state and national figures, and very few people speak little or no English.
Religious patterns are similar to the state, with 42.2% of people reporting no religion. Christianity is the other major group, accounting for 42.9% of residents.
Education levels are much lower than in most areas, with only 9.9% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. This is far below the national figure of 26.3%, and only 38.6% of residents have completed Year 12.
Typical incomes are well below the state and national figures, with a typical household earning $1,290 a week. Only 12.7% of households earn $3,000 or more weekly, which is much lower than most other areas.
Long-term health conditions are more common here than in most areas, affecting 31.5% of people. Arthritis is the most reported condition, affecting 11.2% of the population.
Volunteering is very high, with 24.2% of people helping out, which is far above the national figure. Unpaid housework is also more common than usual, though far fewer people provide unpaid childcare compared to the state.
People living alone are much more common here than in other areas, at 31%. This helps explain why the typical home has only 2.3 people, which is lower than the national average.
Housing is dominated by separate houses (95.1%), with 43.7% owned outright, a figure far above the national average. Rents are also among the lowest in the country, typically costing $209 a week.
The area is heavily dependent on cars, with very few people using public transport to get to work. Public transport is very limited, with far fewer stops and departures than the state average.
The population is very stable, as far fewer people moved house in the last five years compared to the rest of the country. Recent arrivals from overseas are also much less common than in other areas.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are the primary industries for 23% of the workforce. While full-time employment is higher than the national average, the overall percentage of adults working or looking for work is much lower.
The region is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score far below the state average. Most homes are far from groceries, health services, and public transport, though many are within a 15-minute walk of a park.