Urban Centre · Area profile
Elizabeth Beach
5 km²
A far older population than the national average defines Elizabeth Beach, where the typical resident is 51. This small coastal community of 268 people is largely made up of retirees and established families, with nearly 30% of residents aged 65 or over. It is a place of large, detached homes and high home ownership, though the population has shrunk by 11% since 2011. The area feels quiet and residential, with a high proportion of people now living without a religion.
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The community is notably older than most, with 28.4% of people aged 65 and over, which is far above the national figure of 17.2%. Interestingly, the population is becoming slightly younger as the typical age fell by 6 years since 2011, while the number of children under 15 rose to 17.2%.
English and Australian ancestries are the most common, making up 47% and 40.3% respectively. While people born overseas account for 14.6% of the population—higher than in many similar areas—this is still far below the New South Wales average of 29.3%.
English is the primary language for 87.7% of residents. Only 3.7% of people use another language at home, a figure far below the national average of 22.3%, and no one in the area reported speaking little or no English.
A significant shift has occurred here, with those reporting no religion rising by 34 points since 2011 to reach 45.5%. This is well above the Australian figure of 38.9%.
The area has seen a big jump in qualifications, with those holding a bachelor degree or higher rising 18 points since 2011 to 23.1%. Now, 42.7% of adults have completed Year 12, which is higher than in most similar areas.
Typical weekly household income is $1,555, which is a little below the national figure of $1,746. However, the number of households earning $3,000 or more a week has risen sharply by 19 points since 2011.
The community is relatively healthy, with only 4.9% of people needing help with daily activities, which is lower than most areas. Arthritis is the most common long-term health condition, affecting 12.3% of residents.
Unpaid housework is very common here, with 32.6% of people doing 15 or more hours a week—a figure far above the national average. Additionally, 28.1% of people provide unpaid childcare, which is a little above the state figure.
Homes tend to be larger and more full, with 2.4 people per home and a very low 16.7% of people living alone. This is a big change from 2011, when 42% of the population lived by themselves.
Housing is dominated by large separate houses, with 90.2% of homes having three or more bedrooms. Home ownership is strong, as 46.1% of homes are owned outright, far above the national figure of 31%.
The area is entirely dependent on cars, as 0% of residents use public transport to commute. Most homes have two vehicles, and 21.1% of the workforce now works from home.
The community has seen significant movement, with 40.8% of residents moving in the last five years. However, there have been no recent arrivals from overseas.
About 52.5% of adults are working or looking for work, though full-time employment at 50.9% is much lower than in most similar areas. Many residents work in accommodation and food services, which makes up 19.3% of jobs.
While almost every home is within a 10-minute walk of public transport, the area is otherwise mostly car-dependent. There are no grocery stores, schools, or health services within a 15-minute walk.