The population consists of Chinese, European and Malays.[6] The village was founded in the 1970s, and the houses were built with aluminum and other metals with the intention of being able to withstand cyclones.[7][8] There are also large houses built in the contemporary Australian style.[6] The name Silver City came from being synonymous with the aluminum clad houses.[9]
The locality also had housing owned by the Government of Australia, that were used to detain illegal immigrants who try to or enter Australia without valid documentation.[9] Large storm water drains carry runoff water towards an isolated area of the territory.[4] In the early 2000s, a casino was operated by a private company, which also provided mini-bus services were provided linking it with other communities.[10]
