Statistical Area 2 (SA2) · Area profile
Aurukun
7,424 km²
Low typical incomes and a high reliance on renting define the community of Aurukun. This small town in Queensland is far younger than the national average, with a typical resident aged 29 and many children under 15. A strong First Nations identity is central to the area, and this is reflected in the fact that 88.7% of residents are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Despite shrinking by 15% since 2011, the town maintains a distinct cultural character with high rates of traditional language use.
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The community is far younger than most of Australia, with 23.8% of people under 15 and very few seniors. De facto relationships are far more common here than in the rest of the state, accounting for 36% of couples.
Almost everyone here was born in Australia, with only 1.5% of the population born overseas, a figure far below the national average.
Language diversity is very high, with 83.2% of people using another language at home, though 20% of residents speak little or no English, which is far above the national figure.
Christianity is the most common faith at 61.8%, while 31% of residents report having no religion, though this figure has risen since 2011.
Educational attainment is far below the national average, with only 13.8% of people completing Year 12 and just 2.9% holding a bachelor degree or higher.
Incomes are among the lowest in the country; the typical family earns just $785 a week, which is far below the national figure of $2,120.
Reported long-term health conditions are far lower than in most other areas, with only 7% of people mentioning a chronic illness.
Unpaid care for children is very common, involving 42.5% of the population, which is far above the national average.
First Nations people make up the vast majority of the town. This is reflected in the high use of traditional languages, spoken by 92.3% of the community.
Homes tend to be large and crowded, with 3.9 people per household and over a quarter of homes fitting six or more people.
Renting is the norm for 92.4% of households, while outright home ownership is non-existent. The typical weekly rent is very low at $125.
Most people do not have a car, with 64.8% of homes without a vehicle. Because there is no public transport, 61.2% of workers walk to their jobs.
The area has seen a shift in movement, with 37.1% of residents moving in the last five years, a big increase since 2011.
Job opportunities are limited, with an unemployment rate of 17.1% and only 21.7% of adults working or looking for work.
The town faces significant challenges, ranking in the lowest 10% of areas for overall advantage, access to resources, and job skills.
The area is very wet and warm, with an average annual rainfall of 1,634mm and minimum temperatures well above the Queensland average.
Most residents live within a 15-minute walk of health services, schools, and groceries, although the overall walkability score remains low due to car dependency.