Kaniva

Seniors aged 65 and over make up 33.4% of the population, a figure far above the national average of 17.2%. In contrast, children under 15 are well below the state figure at 13.5%, and the population has aged since 2011.

The community is overwhelmingly Australian-born, with 89% born here, which is far below the state and national figures. English and Australian ancestries are the most common, and the proportion of people born overseas fell from 14.5% in 2011 to 7.0%.

English is the primary language for 93.4% of residents, and those using another language at home fell to 3.4% since 2011. There are virtually no residents who speak little or no English.

While Christianity is the most common faith at 49.3%, the number of people reporting no religion rose 16 points since 2011 to reach 42.9%, which is well above the national figure.

Education levels are lower than in most areas, with only 32.6% of residents completing Year 12, far below the national figure of 58.8%. About 11.6% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher.

Typical weekly household incomes are far below the national figure at $1,045. While typical personal and family incomes have risen since 2011, only 7.3% of households earn $3,000 or more a week.

Health challenges are much more common here than in most areas, with 41.6% of people living with a long-term condition. This includes high rates of arthritis and mental health conditions, and 10.1% of residents need help with daily activities.

Volunteering is very high, with 37.5% of people helping out, far above the national figure of 14.1%. Unpaid care for others is also much more common here than in most similar areas.

Homes are smaller than usual, with only 2.0 people per home. This is consistent with the high number of people living alone, who make up 39.4% of the community.

Home ownership is very high, with 60.6% of houses owned outright, far above the national figure. Almost all residents live in separate houses, and typical weekly rents are much lower than the state average at $135.

Cars are essential for most, as 60.7% of people drive to work and no one uses public transport to commute. About 9.3% of the workforce now works from home.

The community is very stable, with only 24.7% of people moving in the last five years, which is far below the national figure. There were no recent arrivals from overseas.

Full-time employment is higher than the national figure at 61.7%, though the overall number of adults working or looking for work is well below the state average. Many residents work in agriculture, health, or education.

Most residents live within a short walk of groceries, health services, and parks. While the town is considered somewhat walkable, the walkability score is a little below the state average.