Urban Centre · Area profile
Smoky Bay
1 km²
A far older population than the national average defines Smoky Bay, where the typical resident is 58. This small community of 162 people has seen its population shrink by 22% since 2011. It is a place where many people live in their own homes and a high number of residents spend their time volunteering. The area is largely residential and car-dependent, consisting entirely of separate houses.
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The community is notably older, with 25.9% of people aged 65 and over, a figure well above the national average. In contrast, children under 15 make up only 11.1% of the population, which has fallen since 2011.
About 12.3% of residents were born overseas, a figure that has risen since 2011, though this remains far below the national average. The most common ancestries are Australian and English.
English is the main language for 91.4% of people, and there are almost no residents who speak little or no English.
Half of the population reports having no religion, which is far above the national figure and has risen significantly since 2011.
Educational attainment is much lower than in most areas, with no residents holding a bachelor degree or higher and only 26.4% having completed Year 12.
Typical weekly household income is $1,297, which is well below the national figure. However, incomes have risen since 2011, with typical household earnings increasing by $620.
Long-term health conditions are more common here than across Australia, though the 1.9% of people needing help with daily activities is among the lowest for similar areas.
Volunteering is very common, with 28.5% of people volunteering, far above the national rate. A high number of residents also spend 15 or more hours a week on unpaid housework.
Most households consist of couples without children (67.2%), and the typical home has 2.0 people, which is much lower than in most areas.
Home ownership is very high, with 52.2% of homes owned outright. Every home in the area is a separate house, and only 7.2% of households are renting.
The area is heavily reliant on cars, with 67.5% of workers driving to work and no one using public transport to commute.
The community is very stable, as only 19.5% of people moved in the last five years, which is far below the national average.
Nearly half of the workforce (48.8%) works in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. There is currently no unemployment in the area.
While almost everyone lives within a short walk of a park or groceries, the area is mostly car-dependent and has no schools or health services within a 15-minute walk.