Barooga

The community is far older than the state and national averages, with over a quarter of residents aged 65 and over. However, the typical age has dropped by 8 years since 2011, and there has been a slight increase in children under 15.

Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has a much lower proportion of overseas-born people compared to the rest of the country. English and Australian are the most common ancestries, though the number of people born overseas rose slightly to 8.9% since 2011.

English is the primary language for nearly 90% of the population, which is far above the national figure. Very few people speak little or no English, though those using another language at home rose slightly to 4.4% over the last decade.

Over half the population identifies as Christian, while 38.4% report no religion. This last group has grown significantly, rising 23 percentage points since 2011.

Typical qualifications are lower than the state and national averages, with only 11.5% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. There has been a positive trend in schooling, with 37.8% of residents now having completed Year 12, up 12 points since 2011.

Weekly incomes are well below the national figure, with the typical household earning $1,342. However, there has been a notable increase in prosperity, as the number of households earning $3,000 or more a week rose 11 points since 2011.

More people here have a long-term health condition than in the rest of Australia, with arthritis and mental health being the most common. Despite this, those needing help with daily activities fell to 4.9% since 2011.

Volunteering is more common here than across the state, though the rate fell from 25% in 2011 to 16.8% in 2021. Unpaid care for children is also slightly higher than the national average.

About half of households consist of couples with children, while 27.4% of people live alone. The typical home holds 2.3 people, which is a little below the national figure.

The area is dominated by large separate houses, with 80.8% of homes having three or more bedrooms. Home ownership is strong, as 41.2% of residents own their home outright, far above the national average.

The community is heavily reliant on cars, and no one reports commuting by public transport. Almost every home has a vehicle, with 41.8% of households owning two.

The area is seeing significant movement, with 41% of residents having moved house in the last five years. This is much higher than most similar areas.

The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is much lower than most similar areas and below the national figure. Many locals work in manufacturing, health, or hospitality.

The town is somewhat walkable, with most residents living within a 15-minute walk of health services and groceries. However, it is far less connected to public transport than the state average.