Urban Centre · Area profile
Nelly Bay
2 km²
Seniors and retirees shape the character of Nelly Bay, where the typical resident is 57 years old. This older demographic helps explain why children under 15 make up only 10.6% of the population, a figure well below the national average. The community has become increasingly international, with one in four people born overseas. It is a well-educated area where many homeowners own their properties outright, contributing to a relaxed, residential feel in the Townsville region.
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The population is far older than the state and national average, with 32.9% of residents aged 65 or over. This trend has accelerated recently, as the typical age rose by 14 years since 2011 to reach 57.
Overseas births have risen significantly to 25.4%, making it one of the highest for its level. English, Australian, and Irish ancestries are the most common heritages reported.
While 6.5% of residents use a language other than English at home—a rise since 2011—the vast majority (83.3%) speak only English. Very few people, just 0.3%, report speaking little or no English.
A nearly half of the community (49.6%) report no religion, a figure far above the national average. This reflects a strong upward trend, rising 25 points since 2011.
The area is highly qualified, with 25.1% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. This is a major increase from 2011, when only 5.8% held such a degree.
Typical incomes are much lower than the national figures, with the typical household earning $1,003 a week. However, 7.5% of people earn $2,000 or more weekly, which is higher than most similar areas.
About 34.3% of people live with a long-term health condition, most commonly arthritis. Consequently, 7.2% of residents need help with daily activities, which is a little above the national figure.
Volunteering is common here, with 20.7% of people volunteering, well above the state average. There is also a strong presence of former Defence Force members, at 6.1% of the population.
Small households are the norm, with 34.5% of people living alone and only 2.0 people per home. Couples without children make up the largest family group at 53.9%.
Home ownership is strong, with 46.1% of homes owned outright, far above the national average. Detached houses are the most common dwelling type, though homes with three or more bedrooms have become less common since 2011.
The area has a high rate of homes without a car (10.7%) and a significant number of people who work from home. While only 2.9% use public transport, many residents choose to walk to work.
The community is quite mobile, with 44.2% of people moving house in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals have also increased, now making up 7.9% of the population.
Working age participation is far below the state average, as only 47.5% of adults are working or looking for work. Many employed residents work in accommodation and food services.
Most homes are within a 15-minute walk of health services, groceries, and schools, far exceeding state averages. However, no homes are within a 10-minute walk of public transport.