# First Nations — Northam

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: Northam (Indigenous Area)

A typical First Nations resident in Northam is just 20 years old, making this group among the youngest in similar areas. While 557 First Nations people live here, they face significant challenges with employment and income compared to the rest of the state.

The First Nations population is smaller than in about 77% of similar areas. These residents are noticeably younger than the state and national typical age of 24, with a typical age of just 20.

School completion is a major challenge here, as only 21.1% of First Nations residents finished Year 12. This is far below the own state figure of 32.5% and the national figure of 37.0%.

Finding work is difficult for many, with a 20.5% unemployment rate. This is well above the 15.9% seen across Western Australia and the 12.3% national figure.

Household incomes are much lower than in most areas, with a typical weekly amount of $1,098. This is well below the state figure of $1,480 and the national figure of $1,507.

About 7.4% of First Nations people here speak a traditional language. This is around the middle for similar areas, though it is well below the Western Australian figure of 16.0%.

## Statistics

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people | 557 | — |
| First Nations median age | 20 yrs | — |
| First Nations Year 12 completion | 21.1% | — |
| First Nations unemployment rate | 20.5% | — |
| First Nations median personal income | $455 | — |
| First Nations household income | $1,098 | — |
| Speaks a First Nations language | 7.4% | — |

Interactive: https://censusatlas.au/region/iare/IARE507014/northam/topic/first-nations