AS COST of living rises hit Ballarat families hard, 2011 census data shows an increase in median weekly incomes across the city.
Personal income for individuals rose from $404 per week in 2006 to $512 in 2011.
Household weekly income rose from $839 in 2006 to $988 in 2011, remaining below the Victorian average of $1216.
Income for families also remained below state averages, increasing by more than a quarter to $1272 in 2011.
Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras said the census data also highlighted the changing nature of Victoria’s multicultural society.
“In the 100 years since the first national census, the multicultural nature of Australian society has developed and grown significantly – especially here in Victoria.”
Mr Kotsiras said 46.8 per cent of Victorians were either born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas, compared to 43.6 per cent at the last census.
Victorians speak 260 languages other than English at home, and the top countries of birth include Britain, India, China, New Zealand, Italy and Vietnam.
Other fast-growing communities include those born in China, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
“Our multicultural population brings great benefits to Victoria – culturally, socially and economically,” Mr Kotsiras said.