Statistics released by Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters paint a horror picture of poverty in the region, with families and individuals sharing the pain.

Ms Chesters branded the figures “disturbing, but not surprising”.

“They’re also heartbreaking, but not surprising,” the federal Labor MP said.

“I’m not surprised, it actually reflects what I hear every day when I am out and about.

“People are doing it tough and are struggling to make ends meet.”

The figures show Bendigo families earn up to $230 less than the national median of $1481.

The city’s median individual weekly income of $512 pales in comparison to the national median of $577.

Nearly 59,900 people over the age of 18 earn less than $600 a week - no more than $31,199 a year.

In contrast, 8305 people earn more than $2000 a week or more than $104,000 a year.

Ms Chesters said low-income levels and change in job circumstances across the electorate were being compounded by the rising cost of basic living expenses such as electricity, gas, water and transport

Bendigo, however, was not isolated in experiencing poverty.

“I believe what is going on in Bendigo is going on across Australia,” Ms Chesters said.

“Poverty is poverty wherever you are, the people are the same. They are single mums, single pensioners and people who work in low-skilled, low-paid jobs.

“We are sitting exactly where you expect us to sit.”

The depth of poverty is no better reflected than in the city’s growing dependence on Centrelink welfare payments.

Nearly 5000 people are on Newstart allowance and just under  22,500 receive either family tax benefit A or B.

Bendigo is home to 1.2 per cent of Australia’s Low Income Card holders (3961), despite representing about 0.6 of the total population.

The electorate has 0.8 of the nation’s Pensioner Card holders (31,626), while 18,196 people receive age pensions.

Nearly 70 per cent of those aged over 70 earn less than $600 a week, including about 9000 who earn less than $400.

A staggering 4684 of those aged over 70 earn less than $300.

Ms Chesters said a shining light in the battle against poverty was Bendigo's growing network of non-profit agencies helping those affected.

"It's remarkable how Bendigo comes together to help its own," she said.