• Population 36,126, 7% of the North Coast population. Projected to increase by 6% by 2031 (5% increase North Coast).
• Population density: 66 residents per km2 (17 per km2 North Coast).
• 2% identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (6% North Coast).
• Median age 43 (47 North Coast, 39 NSW) lowest across the North Coast LGAs
• 7% of population born in non-English speaking countries (1% North Coast, 19% NSW, 16% Australia).
• 19% aged 65 years or over, projected to increase by 22% by 2031 (18% increase North Coast and 29% NSW).

• Just over 1 in 10 children were assessed as vulnerable in one or more areas of early childhood development.

Fully immunised children rates:

• 67% of 1-year-old children (94% in NSW and Australia)
• 66% of 2-year-old children (92% NSW and Australia)
• 73% of 5-year-old children (94% NSW and Australia).

Opportunity: Understand reasons for low immunisation rates and work with community and healthcare providers on improvement strategies.

• 47% of people aged 65 years and over had at least one long-term health condition.
• 2% of the population live with dementia (2% NSW and Australia). Expected to increase as the 65 years and over population increases.
• 50% of survey respondents reported the ageing population is one of the most serious health concerns in the community.
• 71% of survey respondents found accessing services for older people difficult. Challenges included a lack of services and difficulty in organising services.

Did you know: Care finders is a free service. It exists to support vulnerable people who have no one else who can support them to learn about, apply for and set up support services. Learn more about Care Finders. 

Opportunity: increase support and education regarding available services for people as they age and for ageing relatives or people in their care.

Healthy North Coast works in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal peoples, families and communities. Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service provides services to the Aboriginal communities across the LGA.

• 23% of people had an Aboriginal health check in Richmond Valley – Coastal SA3 

Connection to country and culture is key for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples social and emotional wellbeing.

Programs that Aboriginal peoples identified to help keep Aboriginal communities healthy and strong:

• Art and cultural programs
• Yarning circles
• Women’s health initiatives
• Men’s health initiatives
• Exercise and fitness programs

Did you know: Cultural programs act as a protective factor for Aboriginal peoples social and emotional wellbeing.

• 41 per 1,000 people need assistance due to age or severe disability (75 per 1,000 North Coast, 58 per 1,000 NSW). 
• 3 per 1,000 people experienced domestic and family violence (NSW 4 per 1,000 people). The second lowest in the North Coast region.
• Median total weekly personal income $764 ($652 North Coast, NSW $813) Byron LGA has the highest average personal income in the North Coast.
• Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (IRSD) score 1,021, Australia 1000. Of the 12 LGAs in the North Coast region, Byron is placed as the highest rank, and is in the eighth decile nationally, indicating higher levels of socio-economic advantage.

• 6 in 1000 people experience homelessness (4 in 1000 in North Coast and NSW, 9 in 1000 in Australia).
• 5 in 1000 people at risk of homelessness (4 in 1000 in North Coast, NSW and 7 in 1000 in Australia).

Byron LGA has limited availability of affordable housing. Of the 121 rental properties available:

• no properties were affordable to singles or couples on minimum wage or receiving benefits or pensions.

Adequate access to affordable housing is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

• 27% single or lone households (25% NSW) and 9% group homes (4% NSW).

Following the 2022 floods, approximately 830 people remained in emergency and temporary accommodation sites. Further numbers of those displaced, homeless or experiencing flood-related housing insecurity are not currently known.

Social isolation can increase health risks.

Opportunity: Partner with community organisations and government departments to successfully plan, respond and recover from environmental disasters.