Urban Centre · Area profile
Bowraville
2 km²
Situated in the Nambucca Valley, Bowraville is a small town with a distinct cultural identity and a growing population. It is far more diverse than most areas, with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population that has risen sharply to 24.1% since 2011. The community faces significant economic challenges, marked by low typical incomes and high unemployment. This creates a town of contrasts, where strong indigenous heritage sits alongside widespread financial hardship.
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The community is getting older, with seniors making up 20.5% of the population, though the typical resident is 41. Children under 15 make up 19.9%, which is a little above the national figure.
Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has a much lower proportion of overseas-born people (7.2%) than the state or national averages.
English is the main language for 82.8% of people, and the proportion using another language at home is far below the national figure at 4.3%.
A large number of residents report having no religion (42.0%), a figure that has risen by 25 points since 2011 and is well above the national average.
Educational attainment is much lower than most areas, with only 6.1% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher and only 27.2% completing Year 12.
Incomes are far below the national figure, with a typical weekly household earning just $860. Those earning $3,000 or more a week are among the lowest in the country at 2.8%.
Health struggles are common here; 10.4% of people need help with daily activities and 13.2% have a mental health condition, both of which are much higher than most areas.
Volunteer rates are a little above the national figure at 15.9%, while 13.5% of the community provides unpaid care.
One-parent families are very common at 43.2%, a figure far above the national average. People living alone have also increased significantly to 33.9%.
The town is dominated by separate houses (93.1%). While 37.8% of homes are owned outright, renting has risen sharply since 2011 to 28.9%.
Most people rely on cars, and 11.3% of homes have no motor vehicle, which is much higher than most areas. No one uses public transport to commute.
Recent arrivals from overseas have increased significantly to 33.8%, placing Bowraville among the highest for this trend at its level.
Job opportunities are scarce, with an unemployment rate of 10.7%, which is well above the national figure. Only 38.5% of adults are working or looking for work.
The town is mostly car-dependent with a low walkability score. While almost every home is within a short walk of a school, there is no access to groceries or health services within a 15-minute walk.