Urban Area · Area profile
Not in any Significant Urban Area
786,335 km²
Much older than the national average, the population in Not in any Significant Urban Area (NSW) is an ageing community with a strong connection to the land. The typical resident is 46, and nearly a quarter of the people are seniors. It is a vast region where nearly half of all homes are owned outright and most people live in detached houses. With a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, this area stands apart from the rest of the state through its distinct demographics and rural character.
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The typical resident is 46, which is far older than the national figure of 38. This ageing trend is clear, as the proportion of people aged 65 and over rose 5.5 points since 2011 to reach 23.6%, while the share of children under 15 fell.
People born overseas make up 9.4% of the population, which is far below the national figure of 27.7%. The community is predominantly of Australian and English ancestry, and the proportion of overseas-born residents has barely changed since 2011.
English is the main language for 87.6% of the population, meaning only 3.8% use another language at home. This is far below the national figure of 22.3%, and very few people speak little or no English.
Over half the population identifies as Christian, while 35.3% have no religion. This last group has grown significantly, rising 17 points since 2011, although the figure remains well below the national average.
Educational qualifications are lower than the state average, with only 15.2% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. However, more people have finished Year 12 than in 2011, rising by 7.1 points to 40.4%.
Typical weekly family incomes are $1,736, which is well below the New South Wales figure of $2,185. While typical personal incomes are also lower than the national figure, they have risen by $222 since 2011.
Long-term health conditions are more common here than in the rest of the state, affecting 32.3% of people. Arthritis is the most reported condition, affecting 11.9% of the population.
The area has a high rate of volunteering at 18.3%, which is well above the national figure. More people also spend 15 or more hours a week on unpaid housework compared to most other areas.
Most homes are occupied by couples, with 51.5% having children and 33.6% without. About 27.3% of people live alone, which is a little above the national figure.
Housing is dominated by separate houses, making up 91.6% of all dwellings. A high 43.4% of homes are owned outright, and the typical weekly rent of $280 is well below the state average.
Cars are essential here, as only 3.9% of homes have no motor vehicle. Public transport use for commuting is very low at 0.4%, far below the national figure.
The population is relatively stable, with 33.8% moving in the last five years, which is well below the national figure of 40.7%. Recent arrivals from overseas are also much lower than the state average.
Working or looking for work is less common here than nationally, at 54.5%. The workforce is spread across health care, agriculture, and construction, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%.
The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score of 3.1, far below the state average of 6.2. Very few homes are within a 15-minute walk of groceries or health services.