Barkly

Barkly has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Barkly's population was approximately 2,596 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 393 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,203. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 2,596 in June 2025 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population results in a density ratio of approximately zero persons per square kilometer. Barkly's growth rate of 17.8% since the 2021 census surpassed both the national average (9.3%) and state averages, indicating it as a region with significant population growth. Natural growth contributed to around 71.8% of overall population gains during recent periods in Barkly.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and applies growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for areas not covered. By 2041, Barkly's population is projected to increase by approximately 257 persons, reflecting a growth rate of about 9.9% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Barkly, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Barkly has received approximately seven dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 38 homes were approved, with a further eight approved in FY26 so far. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost of new homes is $649,000, indicating a focus on the premium market and high-end developments. In FY26, commercial approvals totaled $627,000, reflecting Barkly's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of NT, Barkly has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it in the 68th percentile nationally. However, development activity has increased recently.

The area maintains a traditional low-density character, with 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% medium to high-density housing. Barkly reflects a developing area, with approximately 195 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 257 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Barkly has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Barkly Regional Deal, Connection Between Eastern Gas Markets And Gas Suppliers, Urban Public Housing - Peko Road, and Venture Housing - Social and Affordable Homes. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Barkly face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Barkly's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with varied sector representation and an unemployment rate of 11.3%. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable. As of December 2025, 1,077 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Regional NT's by 5.2%, indicating room for improvement.

Workforce participation in Barkly lags behind Regional NT at 62.7%. According to Census data, only 10.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and public administration & safety. Barkly has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 9.6 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, at just 2.5% of Barkly's workforce compared to Regional NT's 18.8%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Barkly's labour force increased by 1.2%, while employment declined by 0.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NT showed employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Barkly's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 3.8% over five years and 9.3% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Barkly SA2 is lower than average on a national basis. The median assessed income is $48,323 and the average income stands at $55,331. This contrasts with Regional NT's figures where the median income is $53,572 and the average income is $63,776. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.41% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Barkly would be approximately $52,870 (median) and $60,538 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Barkly all fall between the 1st and 11th percentiles nationally. The largest segment comprises 36.2% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, with 939 residents falling into this category, which differs from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 33.6%. Despite modest housing costs with 94.7% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 22nd percentile nationally.

Barkly is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Barkly's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.8% houses and 5.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NT's 75.6% houses and 24.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barkly was at 10.2%, with the rest either mortgaged (1.3%) or rented (88.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $109, below Regional NT's average of $1,733 and Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Barkly was $70, substantially lower than Regional NT's $150 and the national figure of $375.

Barkly features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.9% of all households, including 39.7% couples with children, 17.1% couples without children, and 19.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 3.7 people, larger than the Regional NT average of 3.1.

Barkly faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 7.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 4.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (4.8%) and certificates (28.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 18.1% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Barkly is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Barkly faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence for common health conditions were found to be somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was found to be very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,230 people), compared to 51.6% across Regional NT and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were diabetes and heart disease, impacting 7.1 and 5.1% of residents respectively. However, 81.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 78.4% across Regional NT. As of the assessment date, 5.8% of residents were aged 65 and over (151 people), which is lower than the 8.5% in Regional NT. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors were above average, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Barkly records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Barkly's cultural diversity is above average with 4.0% overseas-born residents and 57.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Barkly, comprising 65.8%, compared to Regional NT's 54.1%. The top three ancestral groups are Australian Aboriginal (66.8%), Australian (10.6%), and English (10.6%).

Notably, Russian ancestry is overrepresented at 0.3% in Barkly, compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

Barkly hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Barkly has a median age of 26, which is younger than the Regional NT figure of 31 and well below the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are particularly prominent at 19.5%, while the 55-64 group is smaller at 7.1% compared to Regional NT. This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 12.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 18.8% to 19.6% of the population. Conversely, the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 8.4% to 7.5%. By 2041, Barkly's age profile is projected to evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is expected to increase by 128 people (25%), growing from 507 to 636. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 cohorts.