Winchelsea

The area has a higher proportion of seniors than the state average, though the typical age is now three years younger than in 2011. De facto relationships are much more common here than in most similar areas, and the total population has climbed to 2,032.

Winchelsea is far less diverse than Victoria, with only 9.4% of people born overseas. Most residents claim Australian or English ancestry, and the proportion of people born abroad has fallen slightly since 2011.

English is the dominant language, and the 2.7% who use another language at home is far below the national figure. Very few people speak little or no English, though this has risen slightly since 2016.

Nearly half the community reported having no religion, a figure far above the national average. This represents a significant shift in the town, with the same figure rising 23 points since 2011.

Qualifications have improved over the last decade, with the share of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher rising 11 points to 14.2%. However, the proportion of people who completed Year 12 remains far below the state average.

Typical weekly incomes have risen since 2011, with the usual family now earning $1,781. While this is higher than in many similar areas, it remains a little below the Victorian and national figures.

Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 35.3% of people living with a long-term condition. This includes a higher-than-average rate of mental health conditions and a greater need for help with daily activities.

More people provide unpaid care here than in most similar areas, and this has risen since 2011. Conversely, the number of volunteers has fallen by 7.5 points over the same period.

Family life is common, with 52.5% of households consisting of couples with children. About 29% of people live alone, which is well above the national figure.

The town is dominated by separate houses, which make up 93.7% of homes. Most properties are large, with 80.4% having three or more bedrooms, and typical monthly mortgage payments have risen to $1,560.

Cars are essential for most, as only 0.9% of people commute by public transport. However, working from home has become more common, rising 13 points since 2011 to 12.8%.

The community is highly mobile, with 45.2% of people moving house in the last five years, a rate well above the national average. Recent arrivals from overseas have also increased slightly.

Unemployment is much lower than in most areas, falling to 2.6%. Many locals work in health care and social assistance or construction, with technicians and trades being the most common occupation.

The town is somewhat walkable, and residents have good access to groceries and health services within 15 minutes. However, it is far below the state average for proximity to public transport and schools.