Palm Island vs Thuringowa

Palm Island and Thuringowa are two Queensland areas with very different profiles. First Nations household income is far higher in Thuringowa, where the typical home earns $1,714 compared to $950 in Palm Island. Education levels also differ, with Year 12 completion far higher in Thuringowa at 49.0% against 25.9% in Palm Island. Cultural markers vary strongly too, as 44.4% of people in Palm Island speak a First Nations language, which is far higher than the 10.6% in Thuringowa.

Both areas have similar First Nations unemployment rates, with Thuringowa at 13.7% and Palm Island at 12.0%. However, their layouts differ greatly; Thuringowa is mostly car-dependent and has far more street connectivity. Palm Island is described as car-dependent, with a far higher typical terrain slope of 9.5% compared to 3.0% in Thuringowa. While Thuringowa has far more homes within walking distance of parks and public transport, Palm Island has a higher share of homes within a 15-minute walk of health services and schools.