Umbakumba and Outstations vs Numbulwar and Outstations

Umbakumba and Outstations and Numbulwar and Outstations are two remote areas in the Northern Territory. Numbulwar and Outstations is the larger community, with 675 First Nations people compared to 441 in Umbakumba and Outstations. There are significant differences in income; typical First Nations household income in Numbulwar and Outstations is $1,057, which is far higher than the $404 found in Umbakumba and Outstations. Umbakumba and Outstations provides better local access, with 100% of homes within a 15-minute walk of a school and health services, while Numbulwar and Outstations has 0% for both.

Both areas have tracked similarly since 2011, remaining very traditional environments where nearly all residents speak a First Nations language. They are both car-dependent and lack easy access to parks, groceries, or public transport. Both areas also face high challenges, with First Nations unemployment rates and Year 12 completion rates that sit far from the national figures.