People in a de facto relationship

36.8% of people in Barkstead are in a de facto relationship — among the highest in the country, more than double the typical suburb's 12.3%. It ranks 81st of 12,433 suburbs nationally.

That's high even for its surrounds: higher than nearby Rocklyn, Claretown and Mollongghip.

The rate has climbed 4.6 points since 2016 (32.3% → 36.8%), outpacing the national rise of 2.0 points.