Urban Centre · Area profile
Derrinallum
2 km²
Typical weekly household incomes in Derrinallum (L) are among the lowest in the region, sitting far below the national figure. The community has shrunk significantly since 2011, with the population falling by 59% to just 192 people. It is now a very old area where nearly 40% of residents are seniors, which helps explain why so many people live alone and why the typical resident is 60. This small settlement is defined by a high proportion of homeowners and a strong spirit of volunteering.
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The community is far older than the state and national averages, with the typical age rising to 60 years. While the number of children has fallen, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population rose to 4.2%, which is well above the Victorian average.
Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has far fewer overseas-born people than the state average. English and Australian are the most common ancestries, making up nearly 80% of the population.
English is the main language for 83.3% of people, and those who speak another language at home fell to 5.7% since 2011. No one in the community reports speaking little or no English.
Religious views have shifted, with the number of people reporting no religion rising 20 points since 2011 to reach 41.1%. Christianity remains the most common affiliation at 44.3%.
Schooling levels are much lower than most areas, with only 22.9% of residents completing Year 12. Around 11.1% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher, which is far below the national figure.
Incomes are much lower than the national average, with a typical household earning just $725 a week. High earners are rare here, as only 2.9% of households earn $3,000 or more per week.
Health challenges are common, as the area has among the highest rates of long-term health conditions and mental health issues. About 12% of people need help with daily activities, which is well above the state average.
Volunteering is very high at 29.8%, far above the national figure. There is also a higher than usual rate of people providing unpaid care and doing significant housework, though fewer people are caring for children.
Living arrangements have changed as the population has aged, with 52.4% of people now living alone. This is far above the state average and helps explain why there are only 1.7 people per home.
The area is dominated by separate houses, with 59.2% owned outright, far exceeding the national average. Rents and mortgage payments are much lower than the state and national figures.
Most people rely on cars, and no one uses public transport to commute. While 11.9% work from home, this is far below the state average.
The community is relatively stable, with fewer people moving in the last five years compared to most areas. There have been no recent arrivals from overseas.
Fewer adults are working or looking for work compared to the state average, and the unemployment rate is slightly higher at 6.2%. Local jobs are mostly in accommodation, food, and agriculture.
The town is very walkable, with nearly all homes within a short walk of a school, park, or grocery store. However, there are no health services within a 15-minute walk.