Sense of community

Age differences

Young people aged 15 to 24 were less likely to have a sense of community than all other age groups. 

Proportion of people who feel a sense of community in their neighbourhood, by age group, 2006

Proportion of people who feel a sense of community in their neighbourhood, by age group, 2006

Source: Quality of Life Survey, 2006.

Young people were also more likely than older age groups to report negative contact with their neighbourhood community, and less likely to report positive contact. 

15 percent of young people aged 15 to 24 reported “outright tension or disagreement” with a neighbour, compared to between 8 and 11 percent of older age groups.

Proportion of people who have experienced different kinds of neighbourhood contact, by age, 2006
  Nature of contact
  Negative contact where there's outright tension or disagreement Some negative contact such as not getting on with them Some positive contact such as a nod or saying hello Positive contact such as a visit, or asking each other for small favours
15 to 24 years 15% 18% 92% 64%
25 to 49 years 11% 11% 96% 78%
50 to 64 years 9% 9% 97% 83%
65+ years 8% 7% 97% 84%

Source: Quality of Life Survey, 2006.