Urban Centre · Area profile
Jamestown
5 km²
An ageing population has become more prominent in Jamestown since 2011, as the typical resident is now 49. This town in the Northern Areas is a quiet place where 27.8% of people are seniors, far above the national figure. It is a predominantly Australian community with very few overseas arrivals. The local character is marked by high rates of home ownership and a strong spirit of volunteering.
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The area is far older than most, with a typical age of 49 and a senior population that rose to 27.8% since 2011. Its total population shrank slightly to 1,389 people over the last decade.
Most residents were born in Australia, and only 6.0% were born overseas, which is far below the national figure. English and Australian are the most common ancestries.
English is the main language for 94.3% of people, and the share of those using another language at home is much lower than most areas at 2.0%.
About 54.4% of the community identifies as Christian. The number of people reporting no religion has risen significantly since 2011 to reach 39.6%.
While a higher share of residents finished Year 12 than in most similar areas, the 11.9% with a bachelor degree or higher is far below the national figure.
Typical weekly household income is $1,177, which is well below the national figure. However, the share of people earning $2,000 or more a week rose to 8.8% since 2011.
Long-term health conditions are more common here than in most areas, and 8.5% of people need help with daily activities, which is a little above the national average.
Volunteering is very common, with 34.4% of people helping out—far above the national figure of 14.1%.
Many residents live alone, accounting for 36.2% of households, which is far above the national figure. This is consistent with the town's older age profile.
Housing is dominated by separate houses, with 45.2% owned outright, far above the national figure. Typical weekly rent is $215, which is far below the Australian average.
Cars are essential for getting around, as 73% of workers drive to work and no one uses public transport to commute.
The community is relatively stable, with only 31.9% of people moving in the last five years. There were no recent arrivals from overseas in the latest census.
The unemployment rate is very low at 1.8%, among the lowest for its level. Many locals work in health care, agriculture, or education.
The town is somewhat walkable, with a high number of health services and schools within a 15-minute walk, though public transport access is far below the state average.