The estimated population of the Limestone Coast has grown at a rate just below the State average in the last few years. The working age population of the region is expected to peak in 2011 and slowly decline in the following years. Population growth is not even across the region with decreases in the Upper South East areas and increases in the Lower South East.
The median age for the region grew from 34 years to 37 years between 1996 to 2006.
Our region's working population profile shows an increase from 1996 to 2006 in the 15 to 19 year age group, a decrease in the 20 to 44 year age group and an increase in all older age groups. This has labour supply implications as the working age of the population continues to increase and the numbers of replacement workers decrease over time.
Estimated working age population data for 2007 reflects an ageing workforce with fewer replacement workers in the 15 to 34 year age groups. The 35 to 54 year age range have the largest number of workers.
Unemployment
The unemployment rate in the Limestone Coast fluctuates and is higher in the lower part of the region. It has been consistently lower than the state average over time. Because the unemployment rate measures those individuals who are not working one hour or more per week it does not accurately and consistently capture part time workers, nor those working in seasonal positions. Those individuals who are not registered with Job Services are not captured in the figures either.
|
