Torres Strait vs Katherine

Torres Strait and Katherine are two distinct regions in the north of Australia with very different profiles for First Nations people. First Nations residents in Torres Strait have a much higher Year 12 completion rate of 52.8%, compared to just 16.2% in Katherine. This is consistent with the local job market and pay, as First Nations unemployment is far higher in Katherine at 23.1% and typical personal incomes are far higher in Torres Strait at $470. First Nations language is also more common in Torres Strait, where 82.4% of people speak one.

Both regions share a similar level of accessibility, with almost no homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport. They are also alike in the typical income for First Nations households, which sits around $1,200 in both places. However, Katherine generally offers better access to a 15-minute walk to schools (63.1% of homes) and groceries (36.6%), while Torres Strait has a higher share of homes near parks.