# First Nations — Shoalhaven

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities — how many people identify as First Nations, and how they fare on age, schooling, work, income and language. From the ABS 2021 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Profile; the ABS notes these counts are an undercount.

Area: Shoalhaven (Indigenous Area)

Over 7,000 First Nations people call Shoalhaven home, making it one of the largest populations of its kind for an area at this level. This community is generally young, with a typical age of 24 years. While many are finding work, challenges remain in education and income compared to the rest of the state.

There are 7,060 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living here. The typical person in this group is 24, which is about the same as the national figure.

School completion is a challenge in the area, with only 30% of First Nations residents finishing Year 12. This is well below the 35% seen across New South Wales.

The unemployment rate for First Nations people is 11.1%, which is lower than most similar areas. This is a little above the New South Wales figure of 9.8%.

Household incomes are around the middle for this level at $1,332, a little below the state figure of $1,558. Typical personal incomes are also a little below the state average at $545.

Language use is low, with 3.3% of First Nations people speaking a traditional language. This is much lower than most similar areas and well below the national figure of 12.3%.

## Statistics

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people | 7,060 | — |
| First Nations median age | 24 yrs | — |
| First Nations Year 12 completion | 30.0% | — |
| First Nations unemployment rate | 11.1% | — |
| First Nations median personal income | $545 | — |
| First Nations household income | $1,332 | — |
| Speaks a First Nations language | 3.3% | — |

Interactive: https://censusatlas.au/region/iare/IARE106003/shoalhaven/topic/first-nations