Indigenous Area · Area profile

Kempsey

3,868 km²

Kempsey has seen steady growth in its population since 2011, evolving into a regional hub with a distinct social profile. It is a community where a large First Nations population lives alongside a workforce that often struggles with higher unemployment and lower incomes than the state average. While it serves as a key centre for the region, the layout remains largely car-dependent for most residents. This mix of cultural depth and economic challenge defines the current character of the area.

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📍 Kempsey, Indigenous Area

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First Nations

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up a large part of the community, with 3,972 people identifying as such. However, this group faces significant hardship; the unemployment rate is 18.7%, which is well above the New South Wales figure of 9.8%, and Year 12 completion is far below the national average at 24.6%.

3,972 First Nations people

25 yrs Median age Here 25 yrs NSW 23 yrs Aus 24 yrs

24.6% Year 12 Here 24.6% NSW 35.0% Aus 37.0%

18.7% Unemployment Here 18.7% NSW 9.8% Aus 12.3%

$467 Median income Here $467 NSW $600 Aus $540

$1,196 Household income Here $1,196 NSW $1,558 Aus $1,507

Walkability

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Most of the area is car-dependent, with a walkability score of 3.7, which is far below the state average of 6.2. This is reflected in the fact that only 42.2% of homes have a 15-minute-city walkshed, far below the 71.9% seen across New South Wales.

3.7 Walk score

3.7 Types ≤15 min