# First Nations — Gulf

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: Gulf (Indigenous Area)

A strong connection to culture defines daily life in Gulf, where 82.1% of First Nations people speak a traditional language. This is far above the national figure and one of the highest rates in the region. However, the community faces significant hurdles with employment and schooling.

There are 1,012 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living here. This group is noticeably younger than the Northern Territory average, with a typical age of just 23.

School completion is a major challenge, as only 17.9% of First Nations residents finished Year 12. This is well below the Northern Territory figure of 23.2% and far below the Australian rate of 37%.

Finding a job is difficult for many, with an unemployment rate of 43%. This is far above the 20.8% seen across the Northern Territory and more than triple the national rate.

Typical personal income for First Nations people is $250, which is among the lowest for similar areas and far below the Australian figure of $540. Typical household incomes sit at $1,309, which is about the same as the Northern Territory average.

Traditional languages remain very strong in Gulf, with 82.1% of First Nations people speaking one. This is far above the 12.3% recorded across Australia.

## Statistics

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people | 1,012 | — |
| First Nations median age | 23 yrs | — |
| First Nations Year 12 completion | 17.9% | — |
| First Nations unemployment rate | 43.0% | — |
| First Nations median personal income | $250 | — |
| First Nations household income | $1,309 | — |
| Speaks a First Nations language | 82.1% | — |

Interactive: https://censusatlas.au/region/iare/IARE705004/gulf/topic/first-nations