Urban Centre · Area profile
Colac
23 km²
A growing population has shifted the character of Colac, with over 900 new residents arriving since 2011. This community is noticeably older than the national average, with nearly a quarter of the population now aged 65 or over. It is a place of modest incomes and a strong preference for detached houses, though it is becoming more culturally diverse as overseas arrivals increase. Overall, it serves as a walkable regional centre with a high proportion of homeowners.
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The typical resident is 42, making the area noticeably older than the state and national figures. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 24.4% of the population, a figure that rose 4.0 points since 2011.
Most residents were born in Australia (84.6%), and those born overseas make up 10.1% of the population. This is far below the national figure of 27.7%, though the proportion of overseas-born people rose 3.9 points since 2011.
English is the main language for 87.7% of people, but the number of people using another language at home rose 4.1 points since 2011 to reach 7.4%. Those who speak little or no English now account for 2.2% of the community.
A significant shift has occurred over the last decade, with the proportion of people reporting no religion rising 21 points since 2011 to 44.8%. This is well above the national figure of 38.9%.
Educational attainment is lower than the state average, with 11.5% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. However, the number of people who completed Year 12 rose 9.1 points since 2011 to 39.8%.
Typical weekly family income is $1,686, which is well below the national figure of $2,120. While incomes have risen since 2011, only 4.6% of people earn $2,000 or more per week, a figure well below the national average.
Health needs are high here, as 33.7% of people have a long-term health condition and 8.9% need help with daily activities. This last figure is well above the national average of 5.8%.
Unpaid care is common, with 13.9% of people providing unpaid care, which is a little above the national figure. However, the number of volunteers fell 4.5 points since 2011 to 15.0%.
Living arrangements vary, as 34.7% of people live alone, which is well above the national figure. One-parent families make up 16.5% of households, a result well above the state average.
The area is dominated by separate houses (87.9%), and 39.4% of homes are owned outright, which is well above the national figure. Typical weekly rent is $260, well below the national figure of $375.
Reliance on cars is high, with 67.8% of people driving to work. Very few people use public transport to commute (0.2%), and only 6.1% of the workforce works from home, far below the national figure.
The community has seen a surge in international migration, with recent arrivals from overseas rising 13 points since 2011 to 31.1%. This is far above the national figure of 14.5%.
The local job market is strong with a low unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is a little below the national figure. Manufacturing is a major employer, accounting for 20.2% of jobs.
Colac is very walkable, with 90.9% of homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport. Most residents can also easily reach schools (86.8%) and groceries (79.4%) on foot.