Emu Point vs Wadeye

Emu Point and Wadeye are two different Northern Territory locations separated by about 87 km. The biggest differences are in income and population size; Wadeye has a far larger First Nations population with 1,650 people compared to 179 in Emu Point. First Nations household income is far higher in Emu Point at $2,250, while in Wadeye it is $491. Education and language also differ, as Year 12 completion is far higher in Wadeye at 33.0% and more people there speak a First Nations language (92.5% compared to 73.7% in Emu Point).

Both areas share a similar profile in some respects, with First Nations unemployment rates that are much higher than most areas across Australia. In Emu Point, this rate is 28.6%, while in Wadeye it is 24.3%. This common challenge exists alongside a wide gap in local facilities, as Emu Point has more schools while Wadeye has more parks and groceries.