Urban Centre · Area profile
Heywood
6 km²
Nestled in the Glenelg region of Victoria, Heywood is a small town with a population of 1,328. It is an older community where the typical resident is 50, making it far older than the national figure. A strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presence and a high number of seniors give the area a distinct character. While the population has shrunk significantly since 2011, the town remains a place of detached homes and modest incomes.
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The area is far older than the state average, with 30.3% of people aged 65 and over. Its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population has risen to 8.2%, which is well above the national figure.
Most residents were born in Australia, and the town has a much lower proportion of overseas-born people (7.2%) compared to the rest of the country.
English is the primary language for almost everyone, with only 2.5% of people using another language at home, a figure far below the Victorian average.
A large number of residents report no religion (45.9%), which is well above the national figure and has risen by 19 points since 2011.
Qualifications are much lower than in most areas, with only 4.7% of adults holding a bachelor degree and just 27.1% having completed Year 12.
Typical weekly household income is $966, which is far below the national figure of $1,746. Only 6.3% of households earn $3,000 or more per week.
Health challenges are common here; 38.4% of people have a long-term health condition, and 9.2% need help with daily activities, both of which are much higher than most areas.
While 14.1% of people provide unpaid care, which is higher than the state average, the number of volunteers has fallen to 15.6% since 2011.
Living arrangements are unconventional, with 40.0% of people living alone and a high rate of one-parent families (23.3%), well above the national average.
Detached houses dominate the landscape at 93.7%, and 43.4% of homes are owned outright. Rents are very affordable, with a typical weekly cost of $180.
Cars are essential for getting around, as 71.2% of workers drive to work and no one uses public transport for their commute.
The community is very stable, with only 32.0% of people moving in the last five years and no recent arrivals from overseas.
Fewer adults are working or looking for work (45.5%) compared to the state average, and the unemployment rate has risen to 5.9%.
The town is somewhat walkable, as 92.8% of homes are within 15 minutes of groceries and 73.1% are near health services, though public transport access is poor.