Urban Centre · Area profile
Arrawarra
7 km²
A dramatic shift in age has transformed Arrawarra since 2011, as the typical resident is now 50 years old. This growth in the older population is mirrored by a sharp rise in seniors, who now make up 30.7% of the community. While the total population grew by 24% to 1,820 people, the number of children has fallen significantly. It is now a predominantly older area where many residents own their homes outright and a large proportion identify as having no religion.
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The community has aged rapidly, with the typical resident now 18 years older than in 2011. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 30.7% of the population, which is far above the national figure of 17.2%. Meanwhile, children under 15 have fallen to 13.3%, well below the Australian average.
Overseas births have risen to 19.0%, though this remains well below the national figure of 27.7%. English and Australian ancestries are the most common, with English listed by 46.2% of residents.
Language diversity has increased, with 10.2% of people now using a language other than English at home. This is much higher than in most similar areas, despite being far below the New South Wales average of 26.6%.
A significant shift toward secularism has occurred, with 47.3% of people reporting no religion. This is well above the national figure of 38.9% and represents a 31 point increase since 2011.
Educational attainment has risen, with 18.8% of adults now holding a bachelor degree or higher. While this is much higher than in similar areas, it is still well below the state average of 27.8%.
Typical incomes have fallen since 2011, with the usual household now earning $1,143 a week. This is well below the national figure of $1,746, and only 11.4% of households earn $3,000 or more per week.
Long-term health conditions are more common here than in most areas, affecting 34.8% of residents. This is well above the national average, and 7.4% of people now need help with daily activities.
Volunteer rates are high at 17.5%, which is well above the national figure of 14.1%. However, the proportion of people caring for children unpaid has fallen by 17 points since 2011.
The area has more people living alone than in 2011, with 27.3% of households now consisting of one person. Couples without children are the most common family type at 41.6%.
Home ownership is very high, with 55.4% of homes owned outright, far above the national figure of 31.0%. Most residents live in separate houses, and the typical weekly rent is $350.
Public transport use for commuting has risen to 8.1%, which is well above the national average of 3.1%. Working from home is also more common here than in most similar areas at 11.6%.
The area has seen a surge in new arrivals, with 41.2% of recent overseas arrivals being among the highest for its level. Overall, 37.7% of residents moved here in the last five years.
Working or looking for work is common for 50.4% of adults, though full-time employment has fallen to 51.3% since 2011. Many residents work in agriculture, forestry and fishing, or health care.
The area is mostly car-dependent, with no homes within a 15-minute walk of groceries or health services. However, nearly everyone lives within a short walk of a park.