Gulf vs Numbulwar and Outstations

Gulf and Numbulwar and Outstations are two remote areas in the Northern Territory with distinct profiles. Gulf has a larger First Nations population of 1,012 people, but faces a far higher First Nations unemployment rate at 43.0%. In contrast, Numbulwar and Outstations has a higher proportion of people speaking a First Nations language (96.6%) and a typical First Nations age that is noticeably older at 30 years, compared to 23 years in Gulf.

The gap in First Nations unemployment has widened since the last census, while other markers of daily life remain similar. Both areas are car-dependent and lack basic amenities within a 15-minute walk of home, such as schools or health services. Typical personal incomes for First Nations residents are also nearly the same in both places, sitting at $250 in Gulf and $244 in Numbulwar and Outstations.